In a small group discussion, five dads were talking about how hard it is to be real and vulnerable as men. One man confided that when he succumbed to temptation, he would retreat to his ‘cave’, isolating himself from others. Another dad confessed he was the same way and asked the group to come drag him out of his cave if he missed a meeting. This is when you know the group is moving in the right direction.

When the devil gets a man to where he thinks temptation or sin has to be dealt with in isolation, the battle is nearly won. Guilt progresses into shame. And the darkness of shame can envelop quickly. Shame is one of the devil’s best schemes to take a man into depression and suicidal thoughts. Take a dad out, the family suffers. Take a family out, the church suffers. Take the church out, the nation suffers.

You, however, should stand firm in the love of God, constructing a life within the holy faith, praying the Spirit’s prayer, as you wait eagerly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Christ, which leads to eternal life. Keep being kind to those who waver in this faith. Pursue those who are singed by the flames of God’s wrath and bring them safely to Him. Show mercy to others with fear, – Jude 20-23a. Jude’s short letter is to the first century church that was facing issues related to false teachers infiltrating the church and making inroads into the leadership of the young and vulnerable community. His charge then is worth reaffirming today - stand firm in who you are and Whose you are, constructing a life within the holy faith that honors and glorifies the Father. Practice spiritual disciplines such as praying, reading Scripture and worshiping, that help you mature in faith and draw closer to Christ. Keep being kind and pursue those that have stumbled and bring them safely to Him. This is not toleration of sin nor is it judgment of sin. It is lovingkindness that appreciates another’s journey yet must be willing to step into the gap as needed to bring a brother or sister safely to the Lord.  Show mercy to others with fear. We must be merciful to those outside the Church with fear for their eternal destiny – Heaven or hell. Individually, the charge is to stand firm in love, construct a life of faith and pray the Spirit’s prayer. Corporately, be kind to others, pursue those wavering in their faith and show mercy.
Tips to Rebuke Isolation:

• Practice spiritual disciplines – daily time in prayer, Scripture and worship;
• Construct a life that reflects faith in Jesus the Christ;
• Meet regularly with a small group of Christian brothers, battle buddies;
• Be kind, always listen empathetically;
• Be ready and willing to pursue a friend in isolation.

Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and the challenge to be more like You. I confess I prefer to deal with issues on my own. I have allowed myself to be isolated and I have failed to be available for brothers in isolation. Forgive me. My family depends on me being the man, husband and father You call me to be. Grant me strength to rebuke the devil’s scheme of isolation by standing firm in relationship with You and constructing a life that honors You. That is the dad You call me to be, and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father rebukes isolation and stands firm with brothers.