Isolate means to remain alone or apart from others
Independent means not connected with another or each other
I have learned recently that for some tasks (like sitting down to write this blog), isolation is good and even necessary for progress and success. Isolation allows one to hear his or her own thoughts and focus without distraction.
However, I have discovered recently that there are many things that should not be tackled alone. In ministry, Jesus had 12 disciples, 3 of which were really close to him and went nearly everywhere with him--minus his all night or early morning prayer sessions, which were, appropriately spent alone. He also sent his disciples out to do ministry in pairs. Other pairs include Paul & Silas, Peter & John, Moses & Aaron, Naomi & Ruth, Father, Son & Holy Spirit (a Trio in this case). I believe the only thing Adam had to do alone was name the animals--and perhaps he had a cheering squad of angels each time he named an animal.
The point is that life done alone, ministry done alone, and working alone can be unnecessarily burdensome, stressful, wearying, unproductive and lonely.
But when you have two or three or more, it often yields new ideas, differing perspectives, in addition to accountability, camaraderie and even laughter.
Thus I suggest that we isolate isolation. Send isolation to its own corner--until, of course, it's needed for a perfectly healthy reason.
