Notes From the Wise - Solitude vs Living in Community

These verses speak for themselves I think. It is why I have chosen to never again be alone. I may live alone and unpartnered, but I intend to have partnership with friends and acquaintances for the rest of my life. I need them, and even if they won't say so, they need me. It is how the Body is supposed to function; in community, for accountability and for the communion of the Saints. These scriptures came by way of the Your Other Brothers website in a blog post by Matthew Ashijjhi. He is SSA and 20 something, but very wise in his own way. Please feel free to follow the link and read. Be warned, YOB is not for the uninitiated. These young men talk about most anything SSA through a Christian perspective and it might seem blunt or even offensive to those not accustomed to such openness.

Now to the Holy Wisdom...

Proverbs 18:1

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 18:24

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Church, we need to live like this and work together like this. We must know each other if we are to succeed in our walk. Let me give you this challenge. If you know someone at church that seems to be isolating themselves, reach out to them. Come along side them. If you get rebuffed, try and try again to break the ice. Someone did this for me once and it made my blooms start to open. Perhaps that's a poor way to put it, but he has been my friend since that time. And if you are out there and need some companionship and brotherhood, then reach out Brother. Again, if there is a rebuff, do not give up. Push for the brotherhood that you are owed in Christ.

We need each other. Ya, there will be things we do not like about each other, but that's part of the deal. You lived in some kind of family right? Was it all roses and chocolate chip cookies? Get over it. Let's love each other.

Do not walk away from a brother in need and do not be afraid to reach out to others for a hand up the cliff. You know what I'm saying. See ya in church!