Social Isolation has become an increasingly more prevalent issue in our country and worldwide. It’s become far easier for people to stay in their homes and lock out the outside world than ever before. One might feel justified in their reasoning for wanting to or even feeling like they need to isolate themselves. However, although they may feel like they are protecting themselves, they don’t realize that they’ve fallen into a devious trap from the enemy. Let’s explore two ways that the enemy uses isolation as a trap and the possible consequences it may have in our lives and the body of Christ.
Isolation and loneliness are spiritual issues
The Bible makes it clear that we are in a spiritual battle. It’s a battle between the Kingdom of God and Satan’s kingdom of darkness. And just like in a war, both sides strategize to overthrow the other. As believers who are soldiers in this battle, it is essential that we understand how our enemy operates as well as the mind and will of our God and King.
Social Isolation is one very effective strategy that the enemy has devised to neutralize us in the Kingdom of God. He offers the temptation of being able to feel in control of our lives without having to be vulnerable, rely on others, or trust others. It can be used as a self-protection mechanism.
However, a person may not understand that isolation is really a trap designed to separate us from healthy fellowship and make us more vulnerable to attacks from the enemy. It can also be detrimental to our mental health and physical health.
What the Bible says about isolation
Proverbs 18:1 exposes the root cause of why a person may isolate themselves.
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom. Proverbs 18:1 KJV
The NET version clarifies the meaning of this scripture a little better:
One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 NET
So we can see, according to the Bible that a person who isolates themselves is caught up in their own self-interests and feelings, and is not interested in seeking sound wisdom or understanding. Why wouldn’t the enemy want us to pursue sound wisdom and understanding? Could these be dangerous to his kingdom? Absolutely!
Why is social isolation dangerous?
As previously mentioned, there are two main reasons that the enemy likes to use the trap of isolation. The first is so that he can separate us from fellowship with other believers. This separation effectively prevents us from receiving wise input, encouragement, and help when we are struggling. As a result, a person in isolation is more susceptible to mental health struggles including feeling lonely, hopeless, and depressed.
God designed the church to be a safe place for His people to come together and support each other in the faith. He intended for us to help, love, and care for one another. We need each other whether we realize it or not. The Bible says that the world will know us by our love for one another. How can we love one another if we remove ourselves from Godly fellowship and community?
By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 KJV
When we are isolated, we are more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
When we isolate ourselves, we are stuck with only our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions with no outside input that could lend a helpful perspective. The enemy can use isolation to trap us in our sin, depression, selfishness, anger, hurt, and offenses. If we are unwilling to be open and vulnerable with fellow believers, we are susceptible to falling deeper and deeper into these strongholds.
We need each other.
As I said before, loneliness and isolation are significant risk factors to our mental health conditions and physical health. What if we are pursuing medical services when what we really need is Godly fellowship with like-minded believers? Ecclesiastes says this:
Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV
How local community groups of believers are affected by isolation
The second reason the enemy likes to use isolation involves the bigger picture. If he can keep God’s people isolated and divided, we will be less effective to defeat him and his kingdom in the earth. The Body of Christ does not function independently; it functions when we are all in unity together as a community.
So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:5 KJV
Even nature indicates that there is strength in numbers. Science has determined that the V-shaped formation that the geese use when migrating serves an essential purpose. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of them, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front and fall back when they get tired. This strategy helps them conserve their energy and fly longer and further as a unit.
Staying connected is essential for family members in Christ
When we work together as a unit, the power of God will exponentially work through us to accomplish His will in the Earth. His kingdom thrives in unity, but the enemy’s kingdom is exalted in division.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20 KJV
Find your place in God’s family
Each member is essential to the proper function and development of the family of God and the Body of Christ. He gave us each unique gifts that will lend themselves to the betterment of the body. But if a member of the body is missing or out of joint, the whole body will be impaired in that area.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? 20 But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 1 Corinthians 12:12-22 KJV
Overcoming social isolation requires personal choice and healing in God
God equipped us with gifts and qualities to be used for good and not wasted. Every believer is an essential member of the body of Christ. If we isolate and draw away from godly fellowship, we make ourselves more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks and deprive the Body of Christ of an important member and part of its function.
If you feel lonely and don’t attend church, find a Biblical godly one. Come with a willingness to be part of the body and support it. Yield to God in humility and ask Him to help you grow and mature in your spiritual gifts so that you can participate in the proper function of His Body. If past hurts and offenses hold you back from wanting to pursue godly fellowship, take those before God and allow Him to heal your heart in that area and to help you forgive and move out of that bondage.
If Jesus could love and forgive those who were killing Him on the cross by saying, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” Then He can also help us walk in that same power of forgiveness, not as victims but as beloved, accepted children of God.
Fellowship and community will defeat social isolation loneliness.
Don’t allow fear of others, fear of disease, negative feelings, and emotions, or any other excuses to keep you in isolation and loneliness. God wants to set you free and help you to experience the joy of being a member of His family.
No matter how the enemy tries to deceive you, you can be wiser now. Social isolation is dangerous to you. If anything should be avoided, it’s not the family of God but rather the negative side effects of social isolation.
If you struggle with chronic loneliness and don’t regularly have fellowship with other believers, I encourage you to start today. It’s time to step outside of your own self-interests reach out to others. Become a part of something bigger than yourself as a valued member of the Body of Christ, and you will find that your mental and physical health will begin to improve.
We must work together and help others in their time of need so that we will have others to help us in our time of need.
Blessings,
Pastor Benny Parish
Would you like to learn more about how to overcome social isolation and loneliness?
You will enjoy Pastor Benny Parish’s newly released complete teaching entitled, The Isolation Trap. Click here to learn more and for purchasing options.
Would you like to read more articles related to this topic?
How Relationships Affect Your Health – Breakdown in relationships are a major contributor to social isolation. According to Dr. Henry W. Wright, 80% of disease is spiritually rooted in separation from love at one or more of these three levels : from God, yourself, and others. Discover how broken relationships can affect your health and find real solutions for healing in your heart today.
What is Killing the Body of Christ? – In the late 1990s Dr. Henry W. Wrigh had a prophetic dream about what is killing the body of Christ. This article is part of his exhortation to the church to recover unity and fellowship. Isolation is a significant detriment to the health and welfare of the Body of Christ.
Why the Fear of Man is a Snare and How to Overcome It – by Scott Iwahashi – Fear of man is a major contributing factor to social isolation. Learn where fear of man comes from and how to overcome it in your life.
Pin this article now to share it with others and save it for later!
