[437 words]
Last March when the pandemic reached our country, churches were instructed to limit gatherings to no more than 10 individuals. At the time, I was concerned that perhaps our government had overstepped their authority. My father-in-law and I had several conversations at that time discussing how this was all going to play out over time. He wisely reminded me that maybe this would work in favor of the Lord’s church because it would challenge our parents (especially the fathers) to take on the God-given responsibility of teaching their children the ways of the Lord (Deut. 6:1-9; Eph. 6:4).
I am looking forward to that day we can begin to worship together as a whole body again. I’m tired of talking into a camera. And I’m sure you’re tired of watching a “pre-recorded” devotional or sermon from week to week. But before we throw up our hands in total frustration, let’s re-examine that command of the Lord to teach our children His ways. How are we doing with that command? Are we teaching when we sit around the house and when we walk by the way? Do we teach when we lie down for the night and when we wake up in the morning? Basically, do we teach at every opportunity we may have each day to teach our children to love the Lord?
As we continue through this pandemic and the concern for the physical welfare of our loved ones, let us also pay close attention to our spiritual walk with Christ. Yes, “our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Unfortunately he is being successful, but maybe not because of our current “lockdown.” Are we spending time in daily study of God’s Word? Not just a simple reading of a few chapters, but a true study of the life the Lord wants us to live. Are we spending time in prayer to our heavenly Father. God hears and gives answer. Are we looking for His answers to our daily struggle in life?
These are difficult times in which we live, but we can continue to grow spiritually in the faith, if we will set aside time each and every day to draw nearer to God, so that He will draw near to us (Jas. 4:8).
I pray that it will not be much longer before we can meet again, but until then, “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
Paul Mowrer
Monticello church of Christ
Monticello, AR