Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, people everywhere are practicing social distancing. Some are practicing it out of fear, some out of a sense of duty, some because they are ordered or required to, and some because everyone they would like to get together with are doing so, and thus they have no other option. Because we are social distancing, almost everyone is experiencing isolation to some degree. The experts tell us it is necessary because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, and the severe complications it causes some who get it. It is important for us to realize, however, isolation can come with a price, so we can be aware of our need to be intentional with vital connections during this period of increased physical isolation.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ISOLATION
The Scripture makes it clear we are not to be “distant” people. With the very first person, Adam, it says it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). There are also passages that tell us that “two are better than one,” and “a cord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We know Paul used the analogy of the human body to speak of the church as a being composed of many members, but all of the same body, functioning together as a single whole (Romans 12:4-5). The entirety of the Bible speaks to the fact that we are made for community, relationships, intimacy, connection. We are not made to dwell in isolation.
Even more certain is that we are made for intimacy with God. Not only are there numerous references to God calling us, drawing us, pursuing us, and offering us deep, personal intimacy with Himself, but we are told that God is like a loving father (“Abba”) to us (2 Corinthians 6:18). He is also described as a nurturing, protecting shielding, covering mother hen toward us (Luke 13:34). Jesus prayed for unity among us, and with Him and the Father (John 17:20-23). There is no doubt we are made for intimacy with God as well as communion with those around us.
TOGETHER IN ISOLATION
During this time of social distancing, we have not only been more isolated than normal, we have also been encouraged to begin establishing patterns of isolation. We are told to not hug, shake hands, or even be in close of proximity to someone else. We should wear masks, for our protection and the protection of others. We have gotten used to meeting online, shopping online, worshipping online, and even ordering food online. But, there is danger in this.
It is important for us to establish avenues for connection and not drift toward greater and more permanent degrees of isolation. There are numerous ways to do so, but I want to suggest one: Take more time to pray more deeply for others. I know this is an activity done in isolation, but it is something we do alone that draws us into the life of others and into communion with God. Be more disciplined in taking time to pray for other people, and pray more specifically and more deeply for the many aspects of their lives. Even if you do nothing else, it will bring you together, even in isolation.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.