As we continue to walk through the current Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic things are constantly changing. Many of these changes are having a great impact on the world. And the church is not exempt from its effects. Many churches will be moving to online-only starting this week. In order to adhere to government mandates as well as the advice of the CDC and other health organizations.
In a way, this is a freedom believers have been given but one we must not use to satisfy the flesh. The thought of what could be called the freedom to attend church online reminds me of a verse in Galatians. In which Paul is speaking of the freedom we have in Christ. He is purposefully reminding us that we must not use this freedom to glorify the lusts of our flesh.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV):
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another
This is a similar place we find ourselves in today and may very well be in for some time. Many of our churches are granting us the freedom to attend and worship from home. But this opportunity could easily be turned and used for the flesh. As we could choose to not pay attention, not truly worship God, not pray along with the pastor, fail to respect the service in the same way we would in person, or simply not even attend online.
To be honest, because of this freedom the temptation to do other things will be strong. We will be pulled in so many more directions than we would be on the average church day. But we must not allow ourselves to give in to the flesh and not put all our focus into the church service. Like we would if we were able to attend in person.
Truthfully this is a very dangerous time for every believer. We have never been faced with this same freedom and opportunity to give in to the flesh before. If we are not purposeful and careful we could unknowingly give a foothold to the devil. Simply by neglecting church services in the coming week. One that he could use to enter our lives and keep us from returning to church on that glorious day when they say again let us go unto the house of the Lord.
Ephesians 4:27–28 (ESV):
27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Also, it is important to understand that every day we take one more step closer to the end times. As these times approach it is not less church that we need but more church. In fact, that is exactly what we are told in the scripture we cannot neglect our coming together in these last days. So we must continue to come together as a body of believers. Even if that means we come together through online services only for a time.
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV):
25 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.
Please do not use the freedom you have been given as an opportunity to do what your flesh would lead you to do. Continue to dedicate the time to the Lord on Wednesdays and Sundays that you always have. If you can praise in a church you can praise in your living room. Praying on your couch is just as effective as praying in the pew but you must do it. If you can listen to the pastor and take notes in the sanctuary then you can do the same in your own home.
Don’t allow yourself to say you will just watch the service later. Attend while the church is live and be in attendance with the rest of God’s people. By putting it off you are only increasing your chance of not watching it. Which is exactly the flesh wants you to do.
This is not the time to take a break from the church God has placed your pastor where he is for a reason and is using Him to deliver the very word you need to build your faith. Scripture tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. If we in this time neglect the hearing of God’s word our faith will not grow but will deteriorate. Which sadly could lead to the loss of salvation for many.
Romans 10:17 (ESV):
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
So please don’t take this opportunity to stay in the comfort of your home on Wednesday evenings and Sundays and use it in the wrong way. It is so important that you continue to keep your focus on God and serve Him as we attend online. Just like you would if the church doors were open. Especially in this time when hope is in short supply all across the world.
Also, be sure to continue to tithe and give to your church as you would if you were there in person. As you are able of course as I am aware many are facing financial issues at this time. Just remember that even though people are not in the church as they normally would be that does not greatly reduce the expenses of running a church. Nor does it change the fact that scripture instructs us to tithe.
Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
This Sunday and in the weeks to come to be sure to keep your flesh in check and serve the Lord our God as you normally would. Even though so many things are far from normal right now. For many, this will be the longest stretch of time they have spent without entering a house of worship. But it does not have to be, we can all turn our own homes unto houses of worship and offer God all the praise and worship He is worthy of. Just waiting for the day we are able to once again enter into our churches and worship the Lord together.
This will truly be a trying time for many as we are granted the freedom to worship online. Help us to inspire them to fight against the flesh and continue to serve God in this time by sharing this article on social media. It only takes a minute just click the icon of your preferred platform below and you’re halfway there. Thank you for your help and God Bless!
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