It sure sounds good to my "American Ears," but I've had to reexamine my felt need for a right to privacy.
First, in Gen. 2:18 it says, "it is not good for man to be alone." Can I say Amen? In this context, it is discussing the marriage relationship between a man and a woman and it says that it is better for man to have help and companionship rather than be alone. Let's just look for a second at Satan's first recorded attack on mankind. Notice that he didn't approach Eve while she was with Adam, but he waited to approach her when she was alone. He apparently does some of his "best" work when people find themselves alone (think Jesus in the desert). Personally, I know that I am tempted much more often and with greater intensity when I'm alone rather than with someone else. For my spiritual well-being, I try to avoid being isolated for prolonged periods of time unless it is for the purpose of meditating on God's word or for prayer (and let me tell you that even (or especially?) during those times, Satan tries to hound me).
Second, nostalgia aside, the early days of America offered a unique atmosphere that promoted family unity, community involvement, and mutual accountability. Maybe it was that no one wanted to be in the house much without air conditioning, so they found themselves outside and with their neighbors together very often. Or, maybe it was because the usual floor-plan for their houses, schools, and churches consisted of a single room. I do know how easy it is to isolate myself from my family, my community, and the world by closing a door to my car or room. I also know, however, that it is impossible to discharge the duties I have as a husband, father, minister, missionary, brother, son, and friend when isolated from other people. Sure, it's nice to be alone, and some people need time alone to "recharge." But, let us all be careful of how we use that time, and of how much time we spend alone.
And so, though there is something in me that longs to "get away to just relax," I know that there is a danger ever-present in those situations. And, just as Jesus often went out to be by himself to pray and meditate, as I learn to be more like Him, I must continue to be ever-vigilant in such situations against the Tempter and his schemes.
