The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-21 has taken away “normal” and left with with a hollow feeling of disconnect. None of us are the same. Daily battles are on-going, and at times overwhelming. Among other casualties, Satan targeted local churches by creating a sense of disconnection. What do I mean? It has been rightfully stated: “Those who miss church eventually do not miss church.” And I believe this is true.
With many churches now conducting only one weekly service, it is paramount that believers attend regularly. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as many are doing, but to encourage one another, and so much more, as we approach the day of Jesus’s return.”
Sadly, many of God’s people have pulled away or felt a disconnect from the very source that brought them to salvation in the first place. And many are paying a terrible price for their indifference and disconnection. As a pastor, I have watched with grave concern some who have opted for lesser pursuits on Sunday morning. Then, sadder still, has been their propensity to blame the church for their feelings of isolation. The answer to disconnection is re-prioritizing.
Do you feel disconnected from your local church? Then assume personal responsibility for reconnecting! Laying all offenses and other excuses aside, understand that Satan, the archenemy of the local church, wants nothing more than for you to forsake the assembling together with those who bring life-giving encouragement you so desperately need. None of us can successfully stand alone in this hour.
I’m reminded of the story about the smoldering ember. A man built a campfire, when one ember popped away from the roaring blaze. Within minutes the ember died. To be separated from the fire brought only smoke. You and I function better together than alone. Like the dying ember, we too will lose our ability to “keep burning” when we disconnect from the source.
Let me encourage you to stay connected – planted – in your local church. The psalmist said, “Planted in the house of the Lord, they (you) will flourish in the courts of your God (92:13).
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