No father ever starts out their quest to provide for their family with visions of fulfilling the words of Cats in the Cradle by Cat Stevens. Yet, the pressure to survive, make rent, pay off a mortgage or actually save money takes individuals into a land of mirages. Unable to distinguish between bare necessities from the luxuries in life, some men contract an illness called isolation.
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.- 1 Timothy 5:8
Like an aggressive form of cancer, isolation blinds people from what’s important in life: faith, family and friends. Subsequently, many press on unaware they are on the verge of forfeiting their soul. Searching for something bigger and better, Americans leave their roots for the almighty dollar. Unfortunately, one day victims will awaken from their coma only to realize that their family is grown, relationships have faded away and isolation is their only true friend.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:34-35
The cure to this crippling disease is found when patients start to embrace the community around them. Only when you exit the rat race and slow down enough to invest in the lives of your neighbors do the symptoms of isolation begin to vanish. The life of Coach Jim White, inspiration for the film McFarland USA reminds me its not too late for change. Therefore, the next time you receive an invitation for a job too good to be true, look around before you say yes to ensure isolation doesn’t seduce you, carrying you away from the community God designed you to embrace.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 