When a final postmortem of the short and long term effects of Covid is done, I wonder what the findings will be. There is no doubt that Covid has affected a lot of people health-wise, it has also left damages physically, socially, and emotionally. One effect of Covid that has gone under the radar is how it has left believers in spiritual ruins. The inability to gather with other believers for weeks, months and in some cases a year plus, has left several Christians and churches struggling. It is my observation that different people have been affected differently depending on where the covid changes found them spiritually.
Firstly there are those whose
spiritual life was hanging on by the thread before Covid. They attended meetings
occasionally; they barely touched their Bibles and rarely prayed to their
Father. They were spiritually cold, one would say, they had no spiritual
vitality. And the moment the closures and isolations
began, they were quickly swallowed up into the abyss of worldly cares. When
the opportunity to return appeared, they had no motivation or desire. They just
do not abscond from fellowship, they are comfortable with it. It is to these
that the Lord calls out to examine themselves and see if they are in the faith.
Furthermore, it is these that the Lord exhorts to awake from their slumber.
Finally, it is these who were among us and spiritually have left us that we as
a body must urgently and lovingly pursue, so they may return to the fold.
Some were vibrant and passionate.
They were sold out and sacrificial in their service and pursuit of God. After
the covid effect, they fell into a state of lukewarmness and
indifference. They now want a comfortable and convenient Christianity.
They are comfortable with virtual meetings or shortened services. They are used
to gathering with others without relating with them because they have become
accustomed to rushing off after the service and not hosting anyone in their
homes. These dear friends need to return to their first love. They need to be
reminded that to follow Christ is to take up the cross and deny yourself. They
need to hear the exhortation to spend and be spent for the sake of Jesus
Christ. They need to make up their minds, are they in or they are out? Do you
know such a brother or sister? Provoke them to love and good works.
Some despaired during the
restrictions. They longed for the gathering of the saints. They felt the void
and knew this is not the ideal Christian life. They were frustrated with
virtual meetings because they are a shallow replacement for physical
gatherings. The period of isolation and restrictions was a moment for
reflection in their lives. They came out of it resolved to serve their master
until he returns or calls them home. They took stock of their lives and dealt
with entanglements that easily ensnare them. This time helped them to
appreciate their family and church family. And the first moment they had to
return, they did so with grateful eagerness and resolve. These brothers and
sisters do not need to grow weary in doing well, neither do they need to become
complacent. They should press on the upward way. Lastly, they should reach out
to those who may have fallen along the way.
Dear Chrisitan, there is work to be
done. And though the picture may look dire, our work and mission remain the
same. The Spirit of God who works and enables us remains the same. The word of
God is still powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. The postmortem may
be depressing, but dear saint, why are you downcast? And why are you in
turmoil? Hope in God, for he will surely revive his people.
Truth be told
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