Articles
It may be good but danger still looms
God’s people are constantly aware of the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11). They know that he can use things that are good and right to cause the Lord’s people to sin. For example, when Christians come together to worship, they may sing, but if not with the understanding, it is empty (I Cor. 14:25). Prayers that are offered, can become vain repetition by not thinking about what is said (Matt. 6:5). The same goes for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. When done improperly it brings judgment on self (I Cor. 11:17).
I say all of that because I want to talk about one particular act that we have engaged in that has been wonderful – that being Zoom. Oh, how Satan didn’t like the fact the church families were still able to stay connected, albeit not the best way. Imagine this pandemic hitting us pre-computer age. Christians around the globe were thankful to God for having the ability to continue to pray, and study together that way.
This is where our adversary tries to execute his dastardly deeds. Just like he doesn’t mind saints gathering to worship God, as long as it isn’t in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24), he doesn’t mind Christians meeting on Zoom, as long as it becomes a crutch. You see, if Satan can get people to think that worshipping God should be done only when it is easy and convenient, then he is winning.
In last week’s bulletin, we discussed how Jesus encountered people that freely wanted to follow Him, but only when it would fit into their schedule (Lk. 9:59). This can happen to members of the body of Christ in a subtle way. After all, Zoom was a welcomed aid during the
Pandemic. How can something so good all of a sudden become so bad? It happens when we start to think coming together as a church (I Cor. 11:17-18), is on par with Zoom. Until we see that this help was only to be used temporarily, we won’t see the importance of assembling with the saints as we are commanded (Heb. 10:25).
One of the challenges we faced as a church with zooming our services, was the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Christians were to come together to remember the Lord’s death (Acts 20:7). Even pre-covid, it would not have been right for a couple of Christians to go to a ballgame instead of worshipping God, by taking the unleavened bread and the fruit of vine with them to take during the 7th inning stretch. When brethren tried to do what they thought was right during the pandemic (take it at home, waited until the church could physically come together, or gather with a few saints and partake), everyone was in agreement that if there was no pandemic, they knew exactly what the Lord demands (I Cor. 11:23-26).
Then there is the singing. Again, during the pandemic we did the best we could, even though it wasn’t the best. It was pretty hard to sing to one another to teach and admonish (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). We also were in 100% agreement that what is best and God approved is to come together and sing praises and edify each other. These are things that Zoom can never replace. We need not let Satan fill our minds with any sort of compromise.
I want us to see that, this isn’t just a Zoom issue. This problem of doing things for the Lord, only out of convenience, is nothing new. Nor will this temptation ever go away. During the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord and Savior taught that those who want to please God, must seek first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). This means that when we plan a vacation, enjoy some hobby, or visit a friend, our Creator is never to be second.
Those who value and appreciate the great debt that was paid for them so they can go to heaven, do not consider duties as burdensome (I John 5:3).
