Nehemiah : WK 4 - THU
Isolation
Ecclesiastes 4:7-9
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone… Two are better than one…
Yesterday, we discussed the benefits of teamwork. Today, I’d like to explore the flipside: the destructive impact of isolation.
First, let’s acknowledge the difference between alone time, introversion, or even social anxiety, and isolation. We don’t mean regular time to recharge or critical periods of solitude (a spiritual discipline). Rather, isolation is characterized by the complete absence of social support, friendship, and community.
Isolation undermines our well-being in multiple ways. Firstly, research indicates that our physical health deteriorates in the following manner. Social isolation:
Additionally, social isolation is linked to significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Sociologists indicate that recently, our youth and young adults have experienced the greatest increases in these issues.
Considering these factors, we can confidently assert that isolation serves as an effective tool of the devil against God’s people in the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged. In contrast, God’s solution is to invite us into a community of belonging, friendship, and trust.
No wonder Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Ecclesiastes 4:7-9
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone… Two are better than one…
Yesterday, we discussed the benefits of teamwork. Today, I’d like to explore the flipside: the destructive impact of isolation.
First, let’s acknowledge the difference between alone time, introversion, or even social anxiety, and isolation. We don’t mean regular time to recharge or critical periods of solitude (a spiritual discipline). Rather, isolation is characterized by the complete absence of social support, friendship, and community.
Isolation undermines our well-being in multiple ways. Firstly, research indicates that our physical health deteriorates in the following manner. Social isolation:
- Significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Was associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia.
- Was linked to a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
- Among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly fourfold increase in the risk of death, a 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and a 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
Additionally, social isolation is linked to significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Sociologists indicate that recently, our youth and young adults have experienced the greatest increases in these issues.
Considering these factors, we can confidently assert that isolation serves as an effective tool of the devil against God’s people in the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged. In contrast, God’s solution is to invite us into a community of belonging, friendship, and trust.
No wonder Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
- Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
- What activities do you prefer to experience alone, and which ones do you like to pursue in groups?
- Consider what an average day spent in worship at your community of faith looks like. What do you enjoy the most about it?
- Who comes to your mind to pray for today? Consider sharing with them that you prayed.
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