Before, to be a hermit, you had to live in a wooden cabin and be self-sufficient. Today, with technology and home deliveries, we can go several days without any physical contact. But that’s not really what God wants.
Those with an extroverted character will be the first to agree that we cannot live in isolation. But even single people who enjoy going out with friends can get used to living alone and develop a form of comfort in their routine. While it is good to be self-sufficient, we must remember that God did not create us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Moments of solitude can help us draw closer to God, which is essential, but these times should not become a way of life. There are several advantages to sacrificing our comfort to invest in the lives of others.
Get out of our thoughts
What happens between our ears is not always edifying! Even to save the great prophet Elijah from his depression, God took him out of his wilderness and led him to good people (1 Kings 19 and 20). When we isolate ourselves, our dark thoughts become even darker, our carnal thoughts become more tempting, and our terrors become more disturbing. Alone, we may feel helpless in the face of our challenges, but when we leave the house to meet friends, colleagues, or distant acquaintances, we free our thoughts of this unnecessary stress.
Neural development and intelligence
One of the main pieces of advice given to people who are starting to lose cognitive abilities is to meet more people, and do group activities. It’s one of the best ways to stimulate our brain. Contact with other people exposes us to new ideas and different perspectives, and all of this leads us to grow intellectually. Even contact with unpleasant people has the potential to make us better, teaching us behaviors we should avoid (Colossians 3:13). And let’s not forget that the testimonies of others stimulate our faith.
For a stronger immune system
Even from a physical point of view, there is evidence that people who isolate themselves are less healthy. Not only does contact with other people help strengthen our immune system, but when we are alone, we also tend to neglect our diet and often adopt sedentary habits. Go for a walk with your neighbors, it’s good for your mental health, and your physical health!
On the lookout for great opportunities
Leaving our comfort takes effort, especially when we choose to go out to serve someone, to take care of another person. But it also allows us to make great discoveries. By meeting strangers, we can discover a new travel club, be offered a new job, and maybe even meet a life partner. God places all kinds of blessings before us, but to receive them, we must refuse to isolate ourselves, even if going out is inconvenient.
The skill of making friends
Making conversation with new acquaintances is a skill that develops with experience. Approaching a person of the opposite sex without stuttering takes practice! That is then another advantage of coming out of our isolation. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV) This verse is not only about marriage but also about good friendship. Be there not only for dinners out but offer to go to the hospital with your friend if she has to go for tests. Help your sister in Christ move a piece of furniture. What we give to others always comes back to us in one way or another.
Dating couples, be careful: it is tempting to isolate ourselves in our love, but don’t do it. You need advice from other couples around you, and you also need an outside perspective on your partner. “Love makes you blind,” they say. It’s those around you who will help you see things clearly. So, resist the temptation to always be alone together.
It’s true, that our little cocoon is very comfortable, and breaking out of our isolation often requires great effort. Meeting strangers is not always pleasant, helping a friend can also be exhausting. Not only is it what God asks of us, but it is also good for our own physical and mental health, in addition to being a seed in our future life.