One of the mixed blessings brought to us by COVID has been the rapid expansion of virtual meetings and online events. Although Skype got us moving in this direction, Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live and other platforms accelerated the movement toward meetings where we don’t actually meet.
All of these options have been very beneficial saving time and travel expenses. But there have also been negative impacts in reduced personal interaction, true fellowship, and collective energy.
Nowhere has this had more of an effect, perhaps, than in churches. While these various virtual portals allowed believers to worship and even connect with their brothers and sisters through screens, it has also spoiled us into staying at home when we could attend. Sadly, some churches have had to shut their doors as congregants never returned.
Gathering for public worship and fellowship is vitally important and the Bible warns those who follow Jesus in Hebrews 10:25 not to neglect this vital component of Christian life. If we are serious about being who God has saved us to be, we must be involved in a local body with other believers to the maximum extent possible.
Even for those who do come in person, some enjoy the shade of the church without putting down any of their own roots. They like the benefits the church provides for them but resist any commitment to her. They expect the church to always be there, just in case they might need her for something and indeed the church wants to be there. But if this is to be, there has to be those who are regular and faithful to her.
I’ve heard individuals make comments such as, “Jesus yes. Church no.” Such comments are really contradictory for the church is the bride of Christ. It’s like telling someone you really love them, but you can’t stand their spouse.
To be sure, Jesus’ bride is flawed and broken. Too often the church has failed and fails to follow Jesus as she should. Yet nevertheless, Ephesians 5:25 tells us that Jesus loves the church and died for her. If He cares that much for His bride, it seems that those who follow Him should also.
Reasons for attending worship services are many and varied. Some attend out of habit, some out of coercion, others because they enjoy the music or message. Some do so to periodically cleanse their consciences. But while enjoying these benefits, many will not commit.
Some treat the church like a secret lover. They may date her, visit her, enjoy an occasional rendezvous with her, but they won’t bind themselves to her, since they want to keep their options open. After all, who wants to miss an opportunity for something better that may come along?
As we look to Jesus, we find just the opposite approach. Jesus committed so completely to the church that He poured out all of His own blood for her. Since He was going back to Heaven, He then sent His Holy Spirit to be with His Church that we might have help and hope until He returns for His Church as He promised to do.
Thankfully, there are those who are committed not only to Jesus, but also to His church. They gather on Sundays for worship, but they also pray for the church and its members throughout the week. They get involved by teaching a class, serving on a committee, or helping with the nursery. They find what God has called them to do and they do it within the body of Christ.
Those who are so involved have been called pillars of the church because they hold her up and support her. Jesus promised there would always be those who would remain faithful and thankfully there are. It is His desire that all would be so.
As we consider how much Jesus loves His church, may His commitment motivate and inspire our own.
Blessings, George