Should Christians isolate themselves completely from images and surroundings not of God? Is that good or bad?

Question

I understand why we must seperate ourselves from things of the world in terms of socializing or practicing those things. But if Christians completely isolate themselve from the above, could that make them spiritually naive, which could possibly paralyze them if they were forced, beyond their control, to see, hear, or experience those things in person ?

When I listen to or watch news coverage, documentaries, etc, about unrighteous acts, it's very disturbing to me, and I literally have to meditate on scriptures and pray for the Lord to return my thoughts to a place of peace and focus on Christ. How humans can digest these things on a daily basis is unbelievable to me.

It wasn't always this way, but since becoming a Christian, I'm very sensitive to what I see, hear, and experience. So should we have some exposure to avoid being overwhelmed and to stay aware, or should we continue to avoid as much as possible, and as we grow and mature spiritually tolerence will come when needed?

I just read my question, and I'm not quite sure how to put into words what I'm trying to ask, so I hope someone can figure it out?

No that's not what I'm asking. I know that all Christians are called to teach and share the Word. But most Christians do not have to preach or teach in disturbing situations? I didn't explain this question correctly, but I'll let it stay up for replies.

A lot of you who have responded have isunderstood what I'm asking. I agree that a Christian should never hide in fear, afraid to spread the Good News. That is not what I'm referring to. I didn't post this question in a clear manner. I may reword and post again for clarity. Maybe "isolate" was the wrong word to use.

Answer 1

Did Christ isolate Himself? No, far from it.

Follow His lead...follow His lead.

Answer 2

I think the best advice is to read the bible to see what Christ did and thought, I believe it takes a long time to understand. Also the Amish shun the world and as Christians we are not to be as the world is, but to hold separate values, so your next decision is am I a functioning Christian trying to exist in the world , but not accept it's fleeting morals or do I turn my back on the world and join a religious sect like the Amish? I wish here to say that if there is a nuclear holocaust in the future, living separately isn't going to help the Amish, so also remember if you're new to Christianity you are also overly sensitive because seeing things through different eyes is a dramatic new thing to you, try not to jump to conclusions until you have had more practice processing things as a Christian

Answer 3

Us Christians are in the world that is a fact that cannot escape us today, just as the true Christians of old were, and so was Jesus. On the other hand we don't have to be part of it's every aspect, to be so involved and forget our creator, God.

John chapter 15 verse 19 : You [ Jesus' followers ] are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." True Christians are no part of the mass human society that is alienated from God. They care for normal human activities, but they shun attitudes, speech and conduct that are characteristics of the world today, that conflict with God's righteous requirements. If you want to know what those requirements are then you can speek to any one of Jehovah's Witnesses and find out from the brochure published by the Watchtower Society called, What Does God Require? This brochure will set you on the right path for conduct becoming of God's people today. If you want to know the answers to question on God's requirements today, then call the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in your area. They will see that you get this brochure.

Answer 4

This is a very interesting question and I know exactly what you are asking.....Yes, I think you should isolate yourself from situations, people, or things that take you away from your relationship with God. For instance, my sister is a drug abuser and an alchoholic. I choose to separate myself from her because obviously drugs and alcohol are destructive. I have never taken drugs in my life and have only drank a very, very small amt of alcohol. A few months ago, I had the sad opportunity to pick my sister up off of the street (she was drunk and high). I have NEVER dealt with a person in this situation and the look in her eyes really, really, really scared me. So much so, that I couldnt sleep and I had anxiety issues for a long period afterwards. It was almost as if I had seen Satan. However, from this experience, I learned that I had the power within me to withstand that situation and there was no reason for me to be scared of the enemy. From that experience, I have learned that beign around this type of drama is not good for a Christian's spirit. Regardless of how naive you become or unprepared you are for situations, I believe that God watches over us and will not bring us into contact with situations unless he needs to do so for His greater good.

Answer 5

I understand what you are asking. I have problems watching the news on TV. It really disturbs me and I am really sensitive to things I see and hear. Even when I first came on YA I was shocked by what I was seeing on the screen In R&S.
But after I prayed I realized that God wants us to be aware of things so that we should know how to pray about the things that happen in the world. We don't have to watch TV news everyday and take on all the burdens of the world, but just be in tune with what the Holy Spirit is saying to your heart when you do hear something that disturbs you. We can't avoid the world. We unfortunatly have to be here until the Lord calls us to Him, but seek the Lord for balance. He said that " My people perish for lack of knowledge." It is not His will for us to bury our heads in the sand, but to be informed and knowledgeable. God bless you.

Answer 6

This comes from a basic, Bible believing Baptist. From my stand element the Catholics do many stuff incorrect. Your proper contained in the shown reality that we are now to not idolize something or pray to it... case in element, if I made a sculpture of someone out of forming clay and prayed to it, it would not do something for me... because the sculpture isn't a residing God, in hardship-free words Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are. So praying to a image does not something and hinders your self from God. And Catholics have self assurance that you'll be able to flow right into a sales area and tell a guy on the different part their secrets and techniques and that guy, a sinner like me and also you may forgive them of their sin... it really is faulty... the Bible says that Jesus is the in hardship-free words severe Priest and in hardship-free words He can forgive you of your sin. This mixed with many different incorrect, better biblical teachings skill purely about each Catholic isn't a Christian and is condemned to hell except they think Jesus, not the Pope for his or her salvation.

Answer 7

Actually Christians just have their eyes opened more to their surroundings. And funny that you mention it for many Christians do shut themselves off. The problem is that's why prayer is out of the schools, gay is ok, to each his own, etc. What we need to do is surround ourselves more with what's happening and get involved on at least some level. More voting for 1

Answer 8

We can live in the world but not be a part of it. That's what St. Paul said to the early Christians. I guess it is a challenge that we have to face up to. We have no choice.
Have a grace filled day

Answer 9

When God brings you closer to Him, He will see whther you are willing to sacrifice everything for Him, and another thing included with it is, you will not want anything that displeases God and so you will do what is good.
But to avoid tempatation, read the bible and pray to God to help you out. Tell him you want His Spirit to hold on.
I know it is difficult. God made me get away from everything I did/saw/liked. But now I am glad that it happened to me.
When we are free from everything that is holding us, we are empty now and so God can fill us with His Spirit. I recently received Holy Spirit annointing and I know that our mighty God is the mightiest.
I want to tell you very earnestly that God is with us every minute. So don't think you are isolated from all, He is there.

Answer 10

I don't think you should totally isolate yourself; if you did that how could you be a light shining in the world? We are to be in it, but not of it, although sometimes it will do you good to take a sabbatical and spend some time alone with God.

Answer 11

Once, Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Rome. He asked for a coin. Someone brought it to Him. He asked, "Whose image is on this coin?" They answered, "Caesar's" Jesus did not try to avoid this image...He held it in His hand. We are commanded to be in the world, but not of the world, because our citizenship is not here, but in heaven. We are to affect change while we are here. We are to do good. That is why we are compared to salt, because a little salt caused a big change in how things tasted. We are not to hole ourselves up in some monastery and avoid the world. We are to go out and do good for others.