Last week’s post addressed the importance of location during times of battle. I continued pulling the thread of location and soon found myself returning time and time again to the word AWOL. I knew the term, but…
I did some research and discovered AWOL is an acronym for Away Without Leave. It’s a military term describing a soldier who is not where he is supposed to be.
Unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be AWOL as a Jesus-follower. I also know I don’t like the consequences of being AWOL.
When I’m AWOL, I’m isolated, vulnerable, and unreliable.
Isolation makes me vulnerable to the enemy, but it also prevents me from being a reliable friend.
Read what it says in Ecclesiastes about friends.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
Now read what it says in Proverbs.
“A friend shows his friendship at all times —
it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born.” Proverbs 17:17 (CJB)
Both of these Scriptures tell us a friend is close by, aware of what is happening in our lives, and available to help. In Hebrews, we’re told to “not forsake the gathering.” Why? Read a little further in Ecclesiastes and see what it says.
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
Those of us who are Jesus-followers are two (us and Holy Spirit). When you and I are together, we are three; Holy Spirit, you, and me! A cord of three strands.
How about you? What has God taught you about the dangers of isolating yourself from other Jesus-followers?
Something I found interesting: Someone who is AWOL is NOT a deserter.