Isolationism  
 

by J. S. Smith

Since the advent of the space and information ages of modern history, there has been a parallel neo-Luddite movement against the progress of science and society. The Survivalist movement (made infamous by the Unabomber) is a reaction to change and cultural digression that moves people to live in cabins in the wilderness, trying to survive by the fruit of their own hands and labor. Such people are fleeing modern society and isolating themselves from human contact. I will have to admit that when I read the latest abortion statistics or hear of another high school shooting, I almost want to pack my knapsack and follow their lead. Once called hermits, they are now isolationists.

Among Christians, and especially it seems, preachers and elders, there is a new spiritual movement in the same direction. The apostasy racking the American church from coast to coast is just as repulsive as abortion to all of us. How we deal with error and false teaching is an important consideration.

Many churches are operating on a "See no evil; hear no evil; speak no evil" precept. The brethren are praying that what they don't know can't hurt them. I wish the devil were so considerate as to excuse the ignorant from his perdition, but it is not so. Rather, he exploits them (Acts 3:17).

Many have chosen to ignore the current controversy over divorce and remarriage, turning a blind eye to the false teacher and a deaf ear to the warnings about him. Men have crossed their fingers and are hoping that his doctrine won't walk through the front door one day. And it probably won't, for false teachings tend to creep and seep under that door like sludge. "For certain men have crept in unnoticed...who turn the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 4)..." "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captive gullible women (2 Tim. 3:6)..."

An isolationist ignores warnings like these and offers none of his own. This elder handles poorly the pastoral responsibility to protect the flock from grievous soul-snatching wolves (Heb. 13:17). He fails to watch and cry out like Ezekiel and the spirits of men are misled because of his self-imposed muteness.

Proverbs tells us that "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment (18:1)."

Surely, no man should go looking for fights. "He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears (Prov. 26:17)." But, is there not an occasion to, like David, ask , "Is there not a cause" to stand like a man and contend for the faith when it is assaulted with error?

The problem with isolationism is that it is a decision of convenience and is alterable when it suits the man. It is alarming how many isolationists are selling Bible class materials, holding gospel meetings all over the country and writing for fraternal journals. For whatever motivation, the isolation is incomplete. It is an impregnable fortress when unpleasant duty calls but the cracks appear when the prospects become more palatable.

This is no request for the appointment of "brotherhood directors." We shall be directed by the Chief Shepherd alone in the universal church (1 Peter 5:4). This is a plea for elders to pastor the flock that is among them. That involves keeping an eye on the horizon where lupine false teachings slink and plot. This is a plea for preachers to mark and expose error by the gospel light (Eph. 5:11), so that precious souls are not ditched (Matt. 15:14).

While we are studying Romans 14 and deciding whether to sound the warning about all the error swirling around it, it might be wise to focus a little on verse 7: "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself."

Isolationism is a fantasy, an illusion. You can never isolate yourself from saving influence on the souls around you. But what influence will you have?

 

 

Other Articles by Matt Adams

2 Peter 3 and New Creation Theology
A Leadership Crisis
Changing the Mission of the Church
Placing Membership
A Healthy Church