The state government laid out more extensive measures this week in the hope of further slowing down the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which is sweeping our nation. This latest bit of legislation limits unnecessary activity outside the home and implements the temporary closing of all businesses and other organizations not identified as "COVID-19 Essential Workforces". The list of those services deemed essential is actually quite long. Turns out it takes a whole lot of people to make our world go round!
It is indeed important to focus on what is essential for our safety, health, and well-being. But what about our spiritual lives? What do we need to maintain a healthy and strong walk of faith? A long list could certainly also be made of what the Bible teaches us is vital. Here we will focus on one essential aspect for Christians: the encouragement of meeting together.
Take a look at these two directives from the book of Hebrews:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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. (10:24,25)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (3:13)
There is a task God has given us with one another. It is a call to encourage, in every biblical sense of the word. This encouragement is meant to help our hearts stay open to God and alert to sin. Apparently, we are daily in need of such help from one another.
Meeting together as Christians is a necessary part of God's ongoing, good work of sanctification in His people. This is to be an ever-increasing source of encouragement. In gathering we are to help one another to love as God intends, and to do the good works that please and honor Him. Our assembling together is so important that He has commanded us not to forsake it.
We are now in a situation of being unable to gather together.
We did not choose to neglect the assembly.
It has been thrust upon us.
If we are now unable to meet, what spiritual dangers are we more open to?
How can we be stepping into one another's lives in this purposeful way that God intends under our current circumstances?
Let's be alert.
Let's be diligent.
Let's not forsake this most sacred assembling.
It is essential!
written by Gina
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Karen