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Isolation is so dangerous. We were never intended to "go it alone." I know we find it difficult at times to open our lives up to others- but it is wise to be accountable, to be vulnerable, to be teachable. I heard someone say that as a pastor, you can always tell if someone is struggling by the space they put between you and them- distance usually equals sin. "If I'm not doing what I know I should then I certainly don't want to hear what you have ot say about it. So, I'll avoid you like the plague." Isolation is motivated by pride. We don't want the input of others, we don't want to take the time to build relationships, we don't want to be held accountable. But this is the total opposite of the way God intended us to live. It has driven me crazy over the years watching people disconnect form the body and think they can still maintain a growing relationship with God. NOPE! We all need relatiuonships. It's the way God works out those rough edges on every one of us. I actually need people to rub me the wrong way, get on my nerves, be in my business, etc. Luckily I also get the genuine friendship, heartfelt encouragement and amazing partnership that comes with authentic relationships. But so many miss out- they isolate themselves in college, lose themselves in a relationship, cut themsleves off from friends when they get married, or pull away from the body when they encounter a tough time (the very time we should run TO our other believers). We've somehow come under this belief that being able to do this life by myself makes me more spiritual- a real leader. ICK!!! NO way. God believes in community- in the sharing of our lives with each other. And He has surrounded us with people to offer insight into our lives. The second we think we are above that, or think that we are not needful of relationships is the moment we should realize that we are not more spiritual. We are actually fools.