Several years ago, Doug and I were processing through Proverbs on a daily basis, and we started a blog to voice some of those thoughts. That blog ended up dormant for a while, but Doug got back to blogging on it last fall. I’m going to try to contribute to it, too, as I get the chance. If you’re interested in perusing that blog, here’s the link: Reflections on Proverbs.
For today, I thought I’d share what I wrote last Saturday…
I have been increasingly struggling with the mentality of individualism that is so pervasive in our American culture as a whole and in the American church as a subset. Is this really how we are to live?
Proverbs 18:1 emphatically says, “No!”
He who separates himself seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
Ouch!
I openly admit to being an introvert. I enjoy people, but I am more inclined to just do and live on my own. It’s easier. It requires less energy. And it’s unbiblical.
How can we be the body if we separate ourselves from one another?
If I am separating myself from you, it is not to fulfill my purpose of glorifying God. Instead, it is to fulfill my own desires. Yes, I can look at my life and see this expressed so clearly. So very clearly!
All sound wisdom is rooted in Scripture. And Scripture says that we are supposed to live as a body (Romans 5, among other places) and that we will be known by our love for one another (John 13:34-35). We cannot accomplish those things by being individualistic. We must join together.
What can we actively do in the coming week to behave less like individuals and more like the body of Christ?
Not Quite Ordinary 