“Without healthy relationships, there are serious side effects. One of them is something C. S. Lewis called ‘solitary conceit.’ The easiest person to deceive is ourselves! We all need people in our lives who speak the truth in love.”- Mark Batterson
“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”- Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 6 of A Million Little Miracles as he tackles the subject of church hurt. First, Mark acknowledges, it takes tremendous courage to return to church when the church caused you great harm. However, Pastor Batterson cautions, solitary conceit provides the only other option. Because spirituality is a team sport.
Therefore, Mark underscores:
“Loneliness is epidemic these days. Even in a crowd, some of us feel so alone. The job of the church is to make people feel seen, heard, and loved by God and by us. The prescription for loneliness hasn’t changed since the writer of Hebrews penned these words; ‘Let us not neglect our meeting together [Hebrews10:25, NLT].’ . . . The transformational power of community is one of God’s most life-giving miracles.”
Yet, Mark notes, people typecast many of us by our issue. This reflects their tendency to label us pursuant to what they deem to be wrong with us. Consequently, Mark strongly advises, never let anyone label you who didn’t make you!
In conclusion, notes psychiatrist Curt Thompson, from the moment of birth we look for someone looking for us. Most significantly, Pastor Batterson stresses, Jesus is that someone. Certainly, no one knows you better!
Finally, Mark states, may dimensions of grace exist. Hence, the author adds his. Mark says that “grace is loving people when they least expect it and least deserve it.”
So, Mark exhorts, don’t underestimate the power of a single touch. Very few more amazing miracles than touch exist. And God’s put that miracle at our fingertips!
Today’s question: What Bible verses help negate the side effect of solitary conceit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A false conception of who God is”