The Danger of Isolation

“There’s no love in my Church” yelled Chris as he threw himself on the couch, "I am seriously thinking about not attending the Church again” he added. Tony, his friend was surprised at Chris’ outburst as he had always heard Chris enthuse about how wonderful his Church was and how great the Pastors and congregants were. On several occasions Chris had tried talking him out of leaving his Church to join his. Surprised, “Why” Tony blurted out.  “They hate me” Chris retorted! Several sons and daughters of God have gone or are going through this situation and quite a number have decided to stay away from the fold because of these hurts. In these last days as we await the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the enemy has increased his activities within the fold in order to scatter the sheep. The enemy understands the strength in unity and the weakness in division. When a sheep leaves the fold or is a straggler, it becomes an easy prey for the wild animals. A typical example is the account of Cain and Abel and that of Joseph. As long as Abel was in the house under the covering of his parents, his brother could not kill him. Same with Joseph, as long as he was with his father he could not be touched. The only way Cain could carry out his dastardly act was to lure Abel out from under the covering. Friend, before destruction can come isolation has to first take place. This is the reason God’s word encourages us not to leave His covering by “staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). It is important for us to stay and encourage ourselves to remain within the fold of God’s people. This makes it very difficult for the enemy to poach or steal anyone away. Picture this: a hungry lion is no match for a flock of sheep. If it decides to go into their midst, it will be crushed. But when one of the sheep breaks ranks, it is a sure prey for the lion. Friend, as the day draws near, offenses will increase (Luke 17:1), but we are encouraged to “hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgment of it, for He Who promised is reliable and faithful to His Word” (Hebrews 10: 23 AMP). The essence of these offenses is to make us lose our foothold and stray away from the Presence of God Who is our covering: “Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things before hand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked (persons and) fall from your own (present) firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind]” (2Peter 3:17, AMP). Friend, don’t allow offenses draw you from your sure footing in Christ Jesus to be destroyed. Remain in His Presence by taking the offenses to Him, after all judgment awaits the instrument by whom the offense(s) came (Luke 17:1-2). May the grace of God guard your heart to seek to continually remain in His Presence no matter what the enemy throws at you in Jesus Christ name. God bless you.