When a final postmortem of the short and long term effects of Covid is done, I wonder what the findings will be. There is no doubt that Covid has affected a lot of people health-wise, it has also left damages physically, socially, and emotionally. One effect of Covid that has gone under the radar is how it has left believers in spiritual ruins. The inability to gather with other believers for weeks, months and in some cases a year plus, has left several Christians and churches struggling. It is my observation that different people have been affected differently depending on where the covid changes found them spiritually.
Firstly there are those whose spiritual life was hanging on by the thread before Covid. They attended meetings occasionally; they barely touched their Bibles and rarely prayed to their Father. They were spiritually cold, one would say, they had no spiritual vitality. And the moment the closures and isolations began, they were quickly swallowed up into the abyss of worldly cares. When the opportunity to return appeared, they had no motivation or desire. They just do not abscond from fellowship, they are comfortable with it. It is to these that the Lord calls out to examine themselves and see if they are in the faith. Furthermore, it is these that the Lord exhorts to awake from their slumber. Finally, it is these who were among us and spiritually have left us that we as a body must urgently and lovingly pursue, so they may return to the fold.
Some were vibrant and passionate. They were sold out and sacrificial in their service and pursuit of God. After the covid effect, they fell into a state of lukewarmness and indifference. They now want a comfortable and convenient Christianity. They are comfortable with virtual meetings or shortened services. They are used to gathering with others without relating with them because they have become accustomed to rushing off after the service and not hosting anyone in their homes. These dear friends need to return to their first love. They need to be reminded that to follow Christ is to take up the cross and deny yourself. They need to hear the exhortation to spend and be spent for the sake of Jesus Christ. They need to make up their minds, are they in or they are out? Do you know such a brother or sister? Provoke them to love and good works.
Some despaired during the restrictions. They longed for the gathering of the saints. They felt the void and knew this is not the ideal Christian life. They were frustrated with virtual meetings because they are a shallow replacement for physical gatherings. The period of isolation and restrictions was a moment for reflection in their lives. They came out of it resolved to serve their master until he returns or calls them home. They took stock of their lives and dealt with entanglements that easily ensnare them. This time helped them to appreciate their family and church family. And the first moment they had to return, they did so with grateful eagerness and resolve. These brothers and sisters do not need to grow weary in doing well, neither do they need to become complacent. They should press on the upward way. Lastly, they should reach out to those who may have fallen along the way.
Dear Chrisitan, there is work to be done. And though the picture may look dire, our work and mission remain the same. The Spirit of God who works and enables us remains the same. The word of God is still powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. The postmortem may be depressing, but dear saint, why are you downcast? And why are you in turmoil? Hope in God, for he will surely revive his people.
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