Insulated by Martin Wiles

Series: Learning to Do Good

Each winter it was evident our old house lacked what would help keep us cozy.

For five years, my wife and I lived in a home nearing one hundred years old…a home built before air conditioning…a home constructed to remain cool in a sultry atmosphere but not warm in a frigid one. Fireplaces and stacks of quilts would suffice for that infrequency, and homebuilders left out what is now common in energy efficient homes-insulation.

Winters were challenging. We watched our dangling curtains rustle when the wind blew. Doors and windows freed drafts to snake through the cracks. We saw our heat leap from the floor vents and sprint to the ceiling. And our electricity bill reflected what was missing.

Insulation serves a home and also a spiritual family well. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others (Titus 3:14 NLT). And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

I’ve considered whether a Christian must associate with other believers and answered “No.” But will they want to? Yes. Together we share our mutual love and adoration for the One who gave his life for us. Collectively we hold each other up when tragedy, disease, and other unfortunate life events knock us to our knees. We cry for each other when some have no more tears to shed. We strengthen one another’s faith when difficulties attempt to shatter it on the rocks of doubt.

Struggles and difficulties can tear our emotions to shreds, but frequent association with those who share our faith keeps us insulated against Satan’s attempt to keep us in a cold home of indifference and distrust toward God. Make it a habit to associate with those who encourage and heighten your faith.

Prayer: We thank You Father for insulating us against the cruel effects of others and this world. Thank You for our friends, family, and fellow believers who encourage us and help guard us against the enemy who seeks to destroy us by divisive tactics.

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