(Change For Good is an ongoing series of thoughts and observations on life as impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic)
As the church of Jesus Christ, we are called to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Amidst the spread of COVID-19 and the actions many pastors and churches have taken, the question some Christians may be asking of themselves or of their pastors is, “Aren’t we forsaking the gathering of the saints by closing our doors?”
The church has survived persecution. Plagues. Entire Empires. And even then, what marked the church was their love and good works. Their patient and joyful endurance of it all.
If there is an institution called to lead the way in good works, it is the church. In every time and season and circumstance.
The actions and decisions many federal, state, and local governments have taken have been in the interest of protecting and saving people’s lives.
Let’s never forget: The church is a community of sinners each of whom has been saved from death by Another.
The entire gospel is rooted in and founded on the truth that Jesus Christ came, not to be served, but to serve and give up His life for the world. He laid down His life for us and He calls us to lay down our lives for others.
At the heart of the author of Hebrew’s exhortation, and, yes, warning, is that as God’s people we should not abandon meeting together. But more precisely is that we should not abandon encouraging each other towards faith in God and obedience to Him.
We should not abandon pursuing activities that inspire and encourage each other towards God’s purposes.
We should not abandon efforts towards helping each other focus our mind and our attention on Jesus and the beauty and power of His gospel.
We should not abandon stirring up one another’s passions, gifts, and energies towards the good works God has called us to walk in.
When we meet together online during these next few weeks or months, that is precisely what we will continue to do. To love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But all of these things are also embodied in loving our neighbor as yourself.
The COVID-19 pandemic gives the church an opportunity to lead the way in putting our neighbors and neighborhoods first. To care for and serve its community. To protect the most vulnerable and the least of these among us. To save lives. What we are doing is precisely NOT abandoning love and good works.
Yes, we CANNOT give up on meeting together. So we are streaming our services. Yes, the chances of some withdrawing or drifting away may be greater during this time. And, yes, we have to be aware of this and not abandon them to it. But, while some will find it difficult to return to their local church when this is all over, many more will find their faith stronger and their love for the church and their neighbor deeper.
This physical distance is an opportunity for the church. How we do good works and serve one another can take shape in new creative and courageous ways. How we encourage one another can become more intentional and sincere. How we grow in our faith and bear witness to it can be powerful and fruitful. How we preach the gospel can be joyful beyond comparison.
The church is not abandoning God in these hours. On the contrary. More than ever we are looking to Him for wisdom and guidance. While face to face is optimal, and in the end necessary for any healthy relationship to thrive, our “meeting together” during this season can take many forms including Zoom, Google Hangouts, Face Time, live streaming, etc..
Jesus promised that He would not abandon His church. So here we are. In a unique day and time. Not backing away from meeting together, but pushing forward in meeting together in obedience to Jesus. Because we love Him. Because we love one another. Because we love our communities.