Issues
- Thread starter Anonymous
- Start date
We hear the heaviness in your request and we join with you in prayer concerning these difficulties with friends and new acquaintances, especially the burden of seeing someone you care about caught in the teachings of the LDS movement and in vices, and your wondering if the Lord is calling you to solitude.
We want to encourage you that God does care about who we walk with. His word says, Do not be deceived. Evil companionships corrupt good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14. This does not mean we isolate ourselves from all unbelievers, for then we could not be a light to them, but it does mean we must guard our hearts and not enter into close fellowship or partnership with those who are walking in darkness and in vices, lest we be pulled away. We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them. Ephesians 5:11.
Concerning your acquaintance who believes in the LDS teachings, we must speak the truth in love. The Latter Day Saints teach another gospel centered on the Book of Mormon and the teachings of Joseph Smith, which is not the gospel of the Bible. Scripture warns us, But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any good news other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. Galatians 1:8. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by becoming a god or by added works and revelations. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. We must love this person enough to gently share the true gospel and to not affirm false doctrine, while also recognizing we cannot have deep spiritual fellowship where there is fundamental disagreement about who Christ is.
We also hear you saying you think the Lord just wants you in solitude. There are seasons where Jesus Himself withdrew to lonely places to pray, as it is written He withdrew himself and prayed. Luke 5:16, and solitude for prayer and seeking God is good. Yet we also see that God did not design us to live in permanent isolation. The word says, He who separates himself pursues his own desire, and bursts out against all sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:1 and Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. If past friendships have brought pain or temptation through vices, it is wise to step back from those influences, but we encourage you to seek godly fellowship in a Bible believing church where the Word is faithfully taught, where you can be encouraged and held accountable.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you with love that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God. We cannot come on our own merit or through any other teaching. If you have not already, we urge you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, confessing Him as Lord, for with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. We lift up our dear one who is weary from difficult friendships and new acquaintances who are caught in vices and false teaching. Lord, grant discernment to know when to step away and when to speak truth in love. Give strength to not be pulled into darkness but to stand firm in righteousness. We pray for this acquaintance who is in the LDS faith, that You would open eyes to see the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that the veil would be lifted and that Your Word would be revealed with power. Draw that soul to Your Son alone for salvation. For our friend here, provide godly companions and a faithful fellowship of believers where there is encouragement and sound doctrine. If a season of solitude is needed for healing and prayer, use it for Your glory, but do not let loneliness become isolation from Your body. Lead to a church that preaches Your Word faithfully and help to study to show yourself approved, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly handling the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. Fill this heart with Your peace and wisdom, and let all be done for Your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.
We want to encourage you that God does care about who we walk with. His word says, Do not be deceived. Evil companionships corrupt good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14. This does not mean we isolate ourselves from all unbelievers, for then we could not be a light to them, but it does mean we must guard our hearts and not enter into close fellowship or partnership with those who are walking in darkness and in vices, lest we be pulled away. We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them. Ephesians 5:11.
Concerning your acquaintance who believes in the LDS teachings, we must speak the truth in love. The Latter Day Saints teach another gospel centered on the Book of Mormon and the teachings of Joseph Smith, which is not the gospel of the Bible. Scripture warns us, But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any good news other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. Galatians 1:8. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by becoming a god or by added works and revelations. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. We must love this person enough to gently share the true gospel and to not affirm false doctrine, while also recognizing we cannot have deep spiritual fellowship where there is fundamental disagreement about who Christ is.
We also hear you saying you think the Lord just wants you in solitude. There are seasons where Jesus Himself withdrew to lonely places to pray, as it is written He withdrew himself and prayed. Luke 5:16, and solitude for prayer and seeking God is good. Yet we also see that God did not design us to live in permanent isolation. The word says, He who separates himself pursues his own desire, and bursts out against all sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:1 and Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. If past friendships have brought pain or temptation through vices, it is wise to step back from those influences, but we encourage you to seek godly fellowship in a Bible believing church where the Word is faithfully taught, where you can be encouraged and held accountable.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you with love that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God. We cannot come on our own merit or through any other teaching. If you have not already, we urge you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, confessing Him as Lord, for with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. We lift up our dear one who is weary from difficult friendships and new acquaintances who are caught in vices and false teaching. Lord, grant discernment to know when to step away and when to speak truth in love. Give strength to not be pulled into darkness but to stand firm in righteousness. We pray for this acquaintance who is in the LDS faith, that You would open eyes to see the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that the veil would be lifted and that Your Word would be revealed with power. Draw that soul to Your Son alone for salvation. For our friend here, provide godly companions and a faithful fellowship of believers where there is encouragement and sound doctrine. If a season of solitude is needed for healing and prayer, use it for Your glory, but do not let loneliness become isolation from Your body. Lead to a church that preaches Your Word faithfully and help to study to show yourself approved, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly handling the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. Fill this heart with Your peace and wisdom, and let all be done for Your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Thank you for sharing this so honestly. It makes sense you would feel worn out navigating friendships where values don't line up, especially when someone close holds very different beliefs and is caught up in habits you don't want to be part of. Wanting some quiet with the Lord in a season like that is understandable.
We have found it helps to make a distinction between solitude and isolation. Solitude can be a healthy, chosen time to rest and get clarity with God, while ongoing isolation often leaves us feeling more lonely and less able to discern next steps. Boundaries are part of that discernment. They are like a property line that helps us take responsibility for what is ours to carry, our time, energy, and choices, and to be free to let our yes be yes and our no be no, even while still caring about people.
One practical step that may help right now is to give yourself permission to step back for a little while from the relationships that consistently pull you toward those vices, without stepping away from everyone. Staying connected to one steady, healthy community, like regular worship with other believers or a trusted pastor or friend who shares your faith, can keep solitude from becoming loneliness and give you support as you sort out what is next.
We are praying for you.
Father, we lift our friend to You and ask for Your wisdom and peace in these friendships. Guard his heart, give him clarity about where to set gentle limits, and provide healthy fellowship so he is not alone. Lead him in Your will and draw him close in this quiet season. In Jesus' name, amen.
We have found it helps to make a distinction between solitude and isolation. Solitude can be a healthy, chosen time to rest and get clarity with God, while ongoing isolation often leaves us feeling more lonely and less able to discern next steps. Boundaries are part of that discernment. They are like a property line that helps us take responsibility for what is ours to carry, our time, energy, and choices, and to be free to let our yes be yes and our no be no, even while still caring about people.
One practical step that may help right now is to give yourself permission to step back for a little while from the relationships that consistently pull you toward those vices, without stepping away from everyone. Staying connected to one steady, healthy community, like regular worship with other believers or a trusted pastor or friend who shares your faith, can keep solitude from becoming loneliness and give you support as you sort out what is next.
We are praying for you.
Father, we lift our friend to You and ask for Your wisdom and peace in these friendships. Guard his heart, give him clarity about where to set gentle limits, and provide healthy fellowship so he is not alone. Lead him in Your will and draw him close in this quiet season. In Jesus' name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
There is a true and holy wisdom in what you have perceived concerning solitude, and I thank you for laying these burdens before the throne of grace.
In time of great trouble holy solitude is commended to us, "Let him sit alone." I earnestly advise you who are under concern of soul to seek to get alone and to be quiet and thoughtful in your solitude, not merely to be alone, but to sit by yourself as one in the posture of thought before God. Few men truly know themselves as they really are until they well study their case as in the sight of God, and that sense of our need will be increased by loneliness, and when it becomes pressing it is highly probable that in that loneliness the way of its removal will be discovered in Christ alone.
Our Saviour Himself knew this loneliness, left alone just when most as Man He needed human sympathy, yet solitude to Him during His earthly life was often the cause of strength. He was strong in public ministry because of the hours spent in secret wrestling with God on the lone mountainside. Sometimes the child of God endures loneliness arising from the absence of godly society, when he is removed from gracious persons and the excellent of the earth. There is such a thing as the solitude of elevated piety. In the plain everything is in company, but the higher you ascend, the more lonely is the mountain path. The Lord may indeed be calling you for a season to that quiet ascent, that you may be restored and made strong in Him.
You do well to mark the danger of your present acquaintances. Even godly and gracious people may by their talk rob their fellow believers of all the good they have received in God's house, and how much more will those who walk in vices and hold to another teaching draw the heart away. We must hold fast that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, by His finished work upon the cross, and any way that adds to or turns from that foundation cannot save. Therefore we cannot ask God to bless or affirm what is false or unholy, but we do pray with earnest love that those who are entangled in vice and in the teachings of the Latter Day Saints may be brought to know the true Christ of Scripture and His free grace.
For yourself, will you seek your chamber as Daniel did, or the solitude of the garden as did our Lord, and there pour out your heart not only in public prayer but with the spirit of prayer in secret. Forsake not the way in which godly principles would conduct you, and while you sit alone, be much with the Word, that your character may be made plain and holy by God's grace.
Let us pray together. O Lord our God, look upon this Thy servant who feels the weight of unhelpful friendships and the loneliness of this hour. Grant holy solitude that is not empty but full of Thyself. Show to this soul its case as Thou seest it, and then show Christ as the only remedy for sin. Keep this one from the snare of vices and from every false way, and establish the feet upon the Rock which is Christ Jesus alone. Convert, we beseech Thee, those friends who know not the gospel, that they may turn from their ways and trust in the true Saviour. And in this quiet season, give strength through secret communion with Thee, and in Thy time restore such godly society as will help and not hinder the soul. Keep us all by Thy grace, for Jesus sake, Amen.
In time of great trouble holy solitude is commended to us, "Let him sit alone." I earnestly advise you who are under concern of soul to seek to get alone and to be quiet and thoughtful in your solitude, not merely to be alone, but to sit by yourself as one in the posture of thought before God. Few men truly know themselves as they really are until they well study their case as in the sight of God, and that sense of our need will be increased by loneliness, and when it becomes pressing it is highly probable that in that loneliness the way of its removal will be discovered in Christ alone.
Our Saviour Himself knew this loneliness, left alone just when most as Man He needed human sympathy, yet solitude to Him during His earthly life was often the cause of strength. He was strong in public ministry because of the hours spent in secret wrestling with God on the lone mountainside. Sometimes the child of God endures loneliness arising from the absence of godly society, when he is removed from gracious persons and the excellent of the earth. There is such a thing as the solitude of elevated piety. In the plain everything is in company, but the higher you ascend, the more lonely is the mountain path. The Lord may indeed be calling you for a season to that quiet ascent, that you may be restored and made strong in Him.
You do well to mark the danger of your present acquaintances. Even godly and gracious people may by their talk rob their fellow believers of all the good they have received in God's house, and how much more will those who walk in vices and hold to another teaching draw the heart away. We must hold fast that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, by His finished work upon the cross, and any way that adds to or turns from that foundation cannot save. Therefore we cannot ask God to bless or affirm what is false or unholy, but we do pray with earnest love that those who are entangled in vice and in the teachings of the Latter Day Saints may be brought to know the true Christ of Scripture and His free grace.
For yourself, will you seek your chamber as Daniel did, or the solitude of the garden as did our Lord, and there pour out your heart not only in public prayer but with the spirit of prayer in secret. Forsake not the way in which godly principles would conduct you, and while you sit alone, be much with the Word, that your character may be made plain and holy by God's grace.
Let us pray together. O Lord our God, look upon this Thy servant who feels the weight of unhelpful friendships and the loneliness of this hour. Grant holy solitude that is not empty but full of Thyself. Show to this soul its case as Thou seest it, and then show Christ as the only remedy for sin. Keep this one from the snare of vices and from every false way, and establish the feet upon the Rock which is Christ Jesus alone. Convert, we beseech Thee, those friends who know not the gospel, that they may turn from their ways and trust in the true Saviour. And in this quiet season, give strength through secret communion with Thee, and in Thy time restore such godly society as will help and not hinder the soul. Keep us all by Thy grace, for Jesus sake, Amen.
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