Isolation lends itself to self-centeredness

Judith Cooley - May 30, 2020

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

It seems that today, more than ever, it is easier to live in a sort of vacuum. The way we’ve been told to function lends itself to a self-centered reality as things beyond our personal sphere are quite hazy. For example, in a pandemic such as this it wouldn’t be outlandish for people to have feelings judging others regarding health, cleanliness, motivation, theories, and morals. Sadly, any person is apt to become judge and juror in a time such as this.

This “new normal” we have been living promotes isolation. Isolation, they say, can have its physical health benefits, but the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of isolation is quite taxing. Isolation easily leads to anxious and depressive thoughts. Living in isolation also lends itself to a self-centered way of existing.

Living an isolated, self-centered lifestyle is dangerous to the spirit as truths revealed through scripture seem less appealing than self-engineered truths. Whose to challenge the one when he constructs his ideals in isolation? Living for self means all things revolve around the one. Self-centered thinking perceives all things that others do and say are premeditatively meant to either compliment or insult the one, while neither was probably more accurate. Living self-centeredly means everything is personal.

Living in isolation can lead one to honor self over creator. To believe self as provider. To consider self as superior intellect. To seek pleasure over purpose. To say mine rather than yours. To think help me instead of can I help you. To champion personal cause over all else.

The Bible contains many accounts of communities suffering famines, attacks, sicknesses, and trials of different sorts. The Bible also contains accounts of God providing redemption, healing, enlightenment, and deliverance. This pandemic is nothing new in the scheme of history although it’s quite new to us personally.

Like God has never failed to be The Help in times gone by, He is surely our refuge and strong tower today. Our God is faithful and strong. Our God is gentle, kind, mighty, just, and loving. When we choose to focus on Him during times like this, we are filled with hope although the world says we should be filled with despair. When we focus on God, we see His character and realized our flawed human nature. We see self is not to be trusted.

No one was meant to thrive in isolation. Humans need community to be healthy. Don’t fall prey to seeking self over God during this trying time. Don’t seek pleasure over purpose. Don’t trust self over God. The master plan of redeeming all mankind is always in the works. God will always be a help to those who love Him and seek Him.

Let us pray for others during our times of isolation. Let us rejoice and mourn together the best way we can until unity and gatherings are once again the most beloved things to do. Life is still moving forward with purpose and cause for the one and for others. Let’s find joy and blessings in this time of isolation. For with God, we are never alone! Great is His comfort. Close is His presence. Real is His power. Great is His mercy and power and love. Praise Him always.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7