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Not good to be alone 

By Brandon Baggett

Have you seen the gripping TV show, “Alone?” The show follows the self-documented progress of 10 contestants, all of whom are skilled survivalists. Each participant is dropped in the middle of nowhere and, with the exception of a few medical check-ins, they are completely isolated from all other humans. 

Left with only a limited amount of survival tools and a few cameras to capture their journey, each must survive as long as possible on their own. They may “tap out” at any time, but the contestant who remains the longest wins $500,000. 

Each survivalist struggles with the daily challenges of unforgiving environments, limited resources and dangerous wildlife. However, the most fierce challenge of all is simply being alone. 

Do you recall the opening chapters of the Bible? They contain a chorus of “it was good” statements as God viewed his creation with favor. 

When creation was complete, “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31 ESV). However, God found one thing to not be good. 

The Lord said, “it is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18 ESV). 

God didn’t create man to be alone. He knew mankind’s existence on this earth would be tortuous without companionship. Therefore, God fashioned a beautiful woman to be Adam’s companion. God unlocked the door to friendship, family, and civilization. We weren’t meant to be alone.

It may be entertaining to watch “Alone” on TV, but being alone isn’t God’s plan for our lives. The Lord didn’t make any of us to be islands to ourselves. We need another! We need friendship, family, and authentic connections. 

How are the relationships in your life? Perhaps the time is now to start working on those relationships and rediscover the joy they can offer. 

Brandon Baggett is preaching minister at Luverne Church of Christ.