Part 3 of Series “Free Soloing”

By: Anna (Forlines) Kozyutynskyi

Last post, we discussed how free soloing isolates us from our relationship with God. This time, we will focus on how this I-can-do-it-myself attitude isolates us from experiencing genuine relationships with others.

First, free soloing can create in us a spirit of rebellion towards authority. Especially in our younger years, this attitude can create a disobedient and rebellious spirit towards parents, guardians, and caretakers. Disobedience and a defiance against authority is a slippery slope to destruction, but obedience leads us on God’s path of righteousness.

Secondly, an I-can-do-it-myself attitude can grow in us a spirit of unforgiveness towards others. Everyone has a different story. Some are deeply wounded by abuse, some have been betrayed by those closest to them, others are broken by a loved one’s addiction, some have been abandoned by a family member, and others suffer from the heartache of a divorce. Even if you do not find yourself in one of these situations, everyone has deep hurts that need to be healed by the deliverance of forgiveness. Free soloing leads to bitterness, but forgiveness leads to freedom.

Thirdly, free soloing isolates us from true friendship. A few questions to analyze your friendships:

• Do you find yourself with friends who bear your burdens?
• Are you open with your closest friends about what you are going through?
• Are your closest friends those who can spiritually encourage you, or do you isolate yourself from those who will be honest with you?
• Are your friends wise, or do they lead you into foolishness?

We need those close friends in our lives to whom we can confess our sins, who we can pray with, and with whom no part of our life is hidden from.

Fourthly, free soloing isolates us from the church. The church is meant to encourage and hold us accountable. Find a mentor. Meet with them. Share what is on your heart. This requires openness. Free soloing keeps us from this blessing. When we allow ourselves to be open with trusted mentors and friends, we can experience the beauty of what it truly means to walk in community with our church.

Fifthly, free soloing can isolate us from ministry opportunities. Free soloing through life is selfish, and it keeps our eyes on me, myself, and I. Just think though, there is a whole world out there with needs and desires that only Jesus can fill. We have an amazing opportunity to serve others and point people to Jesus.

Free soloing isolates us and keeps us from open relationships with others. Instead, choose today to walk in community with those the Lord has placed in your life.

Questions:

1. Do you have a rebellious attitude towards authority?
2. Is there someone in your life who you are having a hard time forgiving?
3. Do you focus so much on yourself that you miss out on the needs of those around you?
4. Are there wise people in your life who you are truly open with about what is going on?
5. Are there hidden parts of your life that you are holding onto? Are you living a double
   life?

Scripture:
James 5:16 – Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Closing Prayer:

Father,
It is so easy to try to go through this life alone. Forgive me for trying to do everything on my own. Provide for me godly friends who will encourage me to follow You. Help me, also, to be a godly friend who will encourage others to follow you. If there is anything hidden in my life, help me to confess these things. Help me to forgive and thank you for forgiving me. Amen.

About the Author: Anna (Forlines) Kozyutynskyi lives in Nashville with her husband, Vlady, and they recently welcomed a baby boy! She enjoys nature and outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Her passion is to share the importance of openness and freedom that can only be found in Jesus.