WHY SOLO TRAVELLING IS NOT FOR CHRISTIANS
One self: The appeal of solo travelling
Do not get me wrong, people who know me will know that I am an advocate for solo travelling. I enjoy the freedom of deciding what I want to do, what I want to see, and what I want to eat. I have always considered myself to be an independent and rather street-smart individual. While I appreciate the joys of travelling alone, I have come to realise that there is one trip where travelling solo is not ideal; our Christian journey here on this earth.
Our life on earth is likely the biggest and most crucial trip we will ever embark on. As Christians, we are pilgrims passing through this world, making our way towards our final destination: heaven, our eternal home with God (1 Peter 2:11-12, Philippians 3:20). Unlike a short holiday to a nearby destination like Malaysia, this journey of faith requires preparation, perseverance, and companionship. God never intended for us to take this trip alone.
One Community: Sense of belonging & support for each other
From the beginning, God recognised the importance of companionship. God gave Adam a mate as it was not good for him to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Throughout the Scriptures, we see that God values human relationships and community (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Hebrews 10:24-25). As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of being part of a spiritual family. The church is not merely a gathering for us but also a community in which we journey together as members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, it is important for Christians of all ages and stages of faith to develop a sense of belonging in the church.
Have you ever seen a sunset you wished you could share with a loved one? Travelling can become more meaningful when shared with others, our faith journey is strengthened through relationships with fellow brethren. Building a community requires intentional effort and there must be a desire to want to be part of the community. We need to invest time beyond our usual worship services and Bible classes to know one another more deeply; church programmes such as fellowship groups and family camp provide opportunities to build such meaningful connections.
A strong Church community helps us overcome loneliness and reminds us that we belong to God’s family. Like travellers who experience homesickness during a long journey, we may sometimes feel weary in our walk of faith. Having brethren journeying alongside us and feeling belonged to the community can help us feel supported, especially when things are not smooth sailing.
Trips sometimes may not go according to plan. I remember being stranded in Japan due to an airport closure from damage caused by a typhoon. Unexpected, uncomfortable and challenging situations can arise, and facing them alone can be scary and difficult. Likewise, this may also happen in our Christian journey. During the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, they experienced various trials that tested their faith and dependence on God (Deuteronomy 8:2). As Christians journey together, especially in difficult seasons (James 1:2-4), we ought to be a source of encouragement and strength to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Galatians 6:2). When any of us feels lost, discouraged or distracted from God, we can help to direct him or her to return to the right path towards our common destination.
One destination: Our eternal home
While solo travelling can bring independence and adventure, the Christian pilgrimage is different. The biggest trip of our lives is not meant to be completed alone. We have a community which shares our burdens, celebrates our joys, strengthens our faith, and reminds us of our eternal hope. Along this journey, let us be travel companions who support and depend on one another till we reach our eternal home in Heaven.
