Coronavirus/Society is Fragile

Several decades ago, novelist C. P. Snow wrote, “Civilization is hideously fragile, you know that; there's not much between us and the horrors underneath. Just about a coat of varnish, wouldn't you say.”  This past week has illustrated his point extremely well.  Not that we have necessarily reached the ‘horrors underneath,’ but clearly that ‘civilization is hideously fragile.’  If you were asked to create a list of things that are fragile, you might normally think of things like silence, snowflakes, butterflies …  But before this past week, would you have thought to add corporate worship to that list?

We have just been reminded that some of the things we often take for granted are less secure than we like to think.  In light of this newly realized reality, may I offer a couple of things for the church to consider?

- The ‘church’ is not a building, it is people.  People who have been graciously saved by placing their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  “Social-distancing” from a corporate meeting on the Lord’s day cannot change the enduring nature of the true church!

- Although the ‘church’ is not a building, regular meeting with other believers to study God’s Word and worship God’s Person is both biblical and essential.  Obviously, there will be extenuating circumstances which prohibit us from being with our church family.  However, if at all possible, this should not be the norm.  My fear is that we will become so accustomed to the comfort of ‘church at home’ (which might be unavoidable for a time) that we will forfeit the primacy of the local church as it is taught in the Bible.  Let me share some comments from author Cindy Cochrum:

“It can be tempting to avoid the more complicated connections that involve time in the physical presence of needy people.  Our world overflows with theological books, expert online sermons, and bloggers who blog with widely celebrated authority.  We can easily begin to idealize and identify with virtual voices and leaders, as opposed to real live and really imperfect ones.  It’s easier to jump online than to get ourselves (and perhaps others as well) ready and make our way to a church gathering, especially after a long day or week of work of whatever kind.
“When our most important communities become something other than the church body in which the Lord has placed us, we miss out on the joy that comes from actually living in fellowship with the very people whom the Lord has gifted us to serve.  The type of community that Paul envisions cannot occur in online chat rooms, forums, or in the comments section at the bottom of a blog; it requires loving and caring followers of Christ who are consistently and personally in touch with one another’s lives.”  (Word-Filled Women’s Ministry, p. 96)

- Thankfully, each believer is an inseparable part of Jesus’ church.  Regrettably, fellowship with other members of that church is not always possible.  So, what do we do if we are unable to meet with our local church?  Be intentionally seeking ways to be involved with your brothers and sisters in Christ! 

*Listen to your pastor’s sermon if provided. 
*Meet responsibly with whomever you can when you can.
*Find ways to understand others’ needs and try to meet them.  Use social media to your and others’ advantage!
*Ask for prayer requests … pray for them … and then ask about them later. 
*Rejoin your local church as soon as you can!  
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In Christ,
Pastor Chris Riggs