Embracing Healthy Rhythms of Solitude and Community
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he [Jesus] got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:35-39 NRSV
Series: Everyday Apprentice
Devotional: 8 of 13
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus embracing healthy rhythms of solitude and community. His life would regularly oscillate back and forth between time alone with His Father in prayer (see Mark 1:35 NRSV) and time with His followers - teaching, healing the sick, and proclaiming the Good News (see Mark 1:38-39 NRSV). As His apprentices, our lives should mirror His example.
Reflecting on the importance of putting Jesus' rhythms of solitude and community into practice, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "Let him who cannot be alone beware of community... Let him who is not in community beware of being alone."
To our modern ears, "Beware!" might sound like unnecessarily strong language. But what if Bonhoeffer was right? What are the pitfalls of prioritizing time alone with God in solitude while distancing ourselves from community, and vice versa?
Life in the kingdom of God was never meant to be a solo pursuit. When we choose to keep our faith in Jesus locked behind closed doors, we miss out on countless opportunities to love, encourage, and spur one another on to good deeds (See Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV). Private faith blinds our eyes to what God is doing all around us.
However, if we allow the pendulum between solitude and community to swing too far to the other side, we will soon find ourselves in equally dangerous territory.
Prayer and worship. Bible Study and small groups. Fighting injustice and serving people experiencing poverty. These are just a few of the many aspects that are vital to life with God in community. But if we aren't careful, we can quickly fall into the trap of filling our calendars with good works for God at the expense of time alone with Jesus in solitude. Like healthy branches connected to the vine, Jesus promised that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit for His kingdom (See John 15:4-5 NRSV).
Today, take a few minutes to reflect on what is true about your life with God right now. Have you become increasingly disconnected from life in community with other apprentices of Jesus? Or have you become increasingly busy with church life at the expense of prioritizing time alone with God in the quiet? Either way, ask the Lord to show you what one next step you should take to move towards embracing a healthy balance of solitude and community in your life.
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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