Boundary 3: Socially Distanced

Are you a loner or a people person? There are three types of people in the world people who love company, people who love being alone, and people who enjoy both. Jesus loved both! He loved people so much he spent most of his time healing and teaching, but he also was intentional about being alone, staying away from crowds, and spending time with God.

Jesus often distanced himself from people

But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:15-16 

It’s ok to enjoy having company, but it’s not ok to prioritize spending time with people over spending time with God. It’s ok to enjoy being alone but you want to be very careful that you don’t substitute “me time” for God time. Jesus was a master at balance, his first documented alone time was fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (see Mat. 4:1-11), and his first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding. Jesus was at a celebration with friends and family when he performed his first miracle (see John 2:1-11 ).

Jesus excused himself from the company of others before tension became a confrontation. Especially as it concerned the Pharisees, Jesus spent very little time interacting with them because he was well aware that his teachings challenged their self-righteous form of religion. Are we people who properly manage interactions in order to honor God?

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven… A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. Matthew 16:1-4 

Jesus lived a life that reminds us that there is a time for everything. To be alone with God and also to distance ourselves. Constantly having people around or constantly being alone is not what God wants for us or expects of us.

Being alone with God is a good practice. Personal time with God will help you live the life God created for you!

God will always call you to be WITH him before he calls you to do anything FOR him.

How can you create more balance in your life and build a better relationship with God?