The Danger of Isolation

My younger brother, Mark, and I decided to run a marathon. However, living far apart, we entered separate races. He finished several minutes faster than I did. I ran the last few miles alone—and at an ever-slower pace. Mark, however, was surrounded by friends who ran alongside him at the end and kept urging him on. He finished well. Myself? Not as well as I could have.

Samson seems to have been isolated in his ministry. His relationships with his parents and in-laws were not good. His main companions seem to have been fickle lovers – a Philistine bride, a prostitute, and Delilah. 

There is no record of others coming alongside Samson in his battles. He led no armies as Gideon. He had no companion like Jonathan’s armor-bearer who followed him into battle with the words, “Go ahead: I am with you heart and soul” (1 Samuel 14:7). When Samson’s own people wanted to turn him over to the Philistines to kill him, he had no one to stand beside him, unlike David, who was fleeing for his life when Jonathan found him and encouraged him to “find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16). No, Samson is an example of the truths that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) and “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). 

One popular proverb says, “If you want to travel fast, go alone; if you want to travel far, go together.” We were designed as social beings. Jesus and Paul normally worked in and with teams. Paul wanted to surround himself with others when he was facing life and ministry. When Paul had only Luke at his side, he instructed Timothy to come to him quickly, and to get Mark on his way (2 Timothy 4:9, 11). Paul’s friends helped him to serve God and ultimately finish well. 

Reflect: 

Think of times when you felt discouraged and even wanted to give up on your calling. Were you alone or isolated from others? If you want to finish well, who are some like-minded people who can support, help, and encourage you in your calling? If you can’t think of anyone, ask God to show you who can work with you.