Posts Tagged ‘remember’

When Covid-19 lock-downs were first ordered, a friend made the observation that this was going to be really hard on many churches. He pointed out that lots of professing “Christians” would get out of the habit of going to church and just stop coming when the lock-down is lifted.

In his book, “Revolt Against Maturity:” R.J. Rushdoony says, “The most impressionable people are those who are most rootless.”

There are many examples of people taking advantage of this in our culture: Cults are aggressive on college campuses because many students feel “rootless” for the first time. Predators prey on those who are coming from insecure home situations. Traffickers of teenagers look for foster children.

I do not pretend to understand what our government is doing beyond what is obvious and stated about the “shelter at home” orders. They say they are saving lives from a virus. Regardless of motivation, what I see happening is a lot of people becoming “rootless.” We have physically separated them from their families and, for those who are working, from their co-workers. We have taken work from 30% of the adult population (so far) knowing that man was made for work. For those rooted in only family and work, the lock-downs are attacking the root.

On top of all this, churches are not meeting. The PA law says they are exempt from the law not to gather as long as they do not meet in a building or a home. That leaves outside and most churches are not opting to do that. I heard a report saying only 3% of U.S. Christians met for Easter services.

Christian, please beware that you do not become rootless! Sunday morning on-line services are better than nothing but it is not enough to keep us well-grounded and reminded that God instructs us not to forsake the gathering of believers. I am pretty sure that means face to face! (At least that’s what it meant when it was written.) Many have continued in Bible Studies and on-line small group meetings. These are helpful, too.

Proverbs tells us that “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV Proverbs 27:17). We need one another because we need to stay sharpened by the Word of God.

Another verse that might help us is to remember is what Joshua said to Israel after a defeat of several kings.  “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” Joshua 10:25 (ESV).

“Be strong and courageous” is what we are expected to do in all circumstances. If we are rootless we will not be strong.  It is the root that brings the nourishment to any plant. Where is your (and my) nourishment coming from as we “shelter at home?”

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). With Christ at the root of our faith, we will be strong and courageous, He is the Root that will fight our enemies and bring us through every set of circumstances. Let’s remain in Him.