Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. — Proverbs 18:1

Isolation is the worst possible situation for the God-fearing man. A man left only to himself, as this proverb declares, will seek only his desire. This is both a sociological and theological truth.

Sociologically we become like those who we spend the most time with. So if you spend your time with men engaged in folly, you will become foolish. And if you spend your time with wise men, you will become wise.

But there is also a theological truth that reaches beyond the social dimensions of this text. In this text, the man this man spends most of his time with is himself. And while this may sound like it would have a net neutral social influence on a man, this is not true. For a man in isolation spends only time with himself and his wayward desires. And when we choose isolation, we are choosing self. Thus we become a product of our desires. And our desires and their intent tend toward evil. In Genesis 6:5, God declares:

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. — Genesis 6:5

Fellas, we are designed to live life in a community. The Godhead (Father, Son, and Spirit) exists in a community. We were created in this image and made for community. Jesus died so that we might have community. And the Spirit is designed to work in the community. None of these things happened in isolation. So if you have been a little too isolated lately, break free by taking a step into the spiritual community. It could all start by taking another man to lunch. It will bless him and bless you.

ASK THIS: Rank your isolation. On a scale of 1-10 (low to high). Share this in the comments below.

DO THIS: Come out of isolation!

PRAY THIS: God, drive me to the right community.

PLAY THIS: Cochren & Co. | Church, Take Me Back.

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