Let me share the greatest threat to Christianity during this pandemic.
You’ve heard it suggested the greatest threat is an oppressive government
that restricts access to corporate worship. It is concerning in cases when the
church is treated in a manner decidedly stricter than bars, and casinos. But
the restrictions that have caused a disruption of church events is far from the
greatest threat to Christianity during this pandemic.
Others will offer that the greatest threat to Christianity is an assortment of
“–isms” we are told that oppose church; socialism, liberalism, elitism, etc., or
from another angle, nationalism, racism, materialism, sexism. While these
issues provide difficult talking points with which the church may wade to find
Biblical balance, no “–ism” will prevail against the church.
Perhaps the biggest threat to the church during this time of pandemic is the
greatest threat to the church when we are not facing a pandemic. Yet, in a
way, the pandemic has made the threat more acute. The greatest threat to
the church now, and every day, whether pandemic or not, is that we settle
into a type of Christianity that accepts Jesus as Savior, but does not ask that
we embrace him as Lord.
With churches going to Livestream worship, even the most basic demand of
typical Christianity, getting up and physically gathering as the church, has
been eased. As churches begin reassembling, am I tempted to stay at home
because I have become comfortable worshiping in my space? Or have you
even stopped attending virtually because it is so easy to find other things to
do on a Sunday morning, like sleep in (you can always watch the recording).
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying, “Get back to church.” Some people
have legitimate reasons for delaying their return. I’m inviting you to test your
devotion to obedient following after Christ beginning with basic actions.
If you are struggling with Lordship at the level of gathering, how are you
doing at embracing Jesus as Lord when it comes to making tough moral
decisions, making time to demonstrate serving others in his love and grace,
or opening your mouth to address issues of unrighteousness and injustice?
Jesus wants to be your Savior. However, Jesus can’t truly be your Savior if
you are not, also, embracing him as Lord.
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