A Vaccine and Thorny Soil
Over the last couple of weeks, news has been encouraging about a potential vaccine for coronavirus. While, certainly, there are still many hoops that pharmaceutical companies will have to jump through to finish it out and get it distributed, it is the first hopeful news about this virus that we have gotten–consistently–in a long time.
So, let’s play along with the hope. After all, we need some encouraging news, don’t we! Let’s just say that the companies are able to get it going, as they claim, by the end of this year, and then the distribution numbers grow in early 2021, on into March and April. Let’s just say that, by sometime around Easter (mid-April in 2021), our nation can claim that the vaccine has been widely distributed and it has proven to be very highly effective.
Isn’t that great news? Wouldn’t that be amazing? Schools could truly plan for “normal” operations for the 2021-2022 year. Businesses would not have to be so concerned as much with occupancy limits. Little League fields could have cheering parents and grandparents. Summer camps could make mostly-regular plans for week-long sessions.
It’s all speculation at this point, but we can dream, can’t we!
But what about churches…and what about thorny soil?
Now, what in the world am I talking about? Churches, like everything else, have seen a decrease in attendance. Many of those who are not coming are not going to anything else, either. They aren’t going shopping or to restaurants; they don’t have holiday trips planned; they haven’t been to a ball game or museum. Those who are living this way have my respect and admiration for their consistency, and we pray they stay safe and that they continue to live by those principles.
However…
There are others who have been tested by this virus and, it seems, more is being exposed than they might want to admit. They might watch a livestream on Sunday morning, or they might sleep in, figuring they can watch it “sometime” (which may be Monday or, well, never). They might go to the coffee shop on Saturday (and make sure to take pictures of their latte for Facebook), but cannot find the motivation to worship in person on Sunday. They are traveling for some quick weekend outings some weekends, but they are never in a church building when the Lord’s Day rolls around.
And, for many of them, the ongoing line has been, “When a vaccine comes, I’ll be back.”
Now, for those who are staying in all the time and not going anywhere at all, I have an easier time believing that. They are being consistent, and they are worshiping each Sunday via livestream (or in whatever option their congregation has arrived at). They are longing for the day when a vaccine is readily available so they can come back to worship, as we all resume other normal activities. I pray that happens soon for them!
But for others, could it not be that thorny soil is being shown to be their basis?
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it proves unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)
Focus on that phrase, “the cares of the world.” The word “cares” came from a root word that meant, “to be drawn in different directions.”
Is that not what some are doing during this pandemic? We are being drawn in different directions–to ball games and restaurants and shopping trips–but not in the one direction we need to be going: to worship!
And here’s the thing: this isn’t just during the pandemic. For many, it has been true all along, but it is becoming more clear during this time, when fewer are doing things. Their restaurant and shopping trip pictures really stand out on Facebook and Instagram during the week…as “their pew” is empty on Sunday morning and elders are wondering how to encourage them to really take stock of their spiritual priorities.
And, so, when there is a vaccine…will those people be back? If so, will they stay long? Or will the next “care” take them away again?
Again, not everyone needs to be in person right now, and many are being utterly consistent. For them, I pray and I am thankful.
But for those who are using this as an excuse to sleep in on Sunday mornings or to miss entirely but do other things regularly, my prayer is different. I pray they change their soil so that they do not prove unfruitful.
May God help us to move to good soil through and through so the Church–and each soul that comprises her–remains strong and faithful going forward, because more “cares” are going to come. When they do, which direction will we go?
To Receive Every Article from A Legacy of Faith through Email for Free, Click Here
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
