It’s Just Easier
2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways. To say the least, it is an understatement to suggest that all of us have been affected in one way or another.
Elders and other church leaders have struggled with ideas, policies, equipment, strategies, facilities, and a host of other things this year. The goal has always been to find the best ways to meet the spiritual needs of the congregations they serve without ignoring or minimizing challenges to the health and well being of members.
One of the options used by many during this challenging year has been that members and others can worship online. Modern technology has made it possible for this to happen. That technology has also made it possible for this to be done “in real time” and/or at a later time.
It seems to me that this option is sort of a double-edged sword. While it meets some real needs, it can also provide an “easy option” for some who would not be hindered in any way to assemble with their brothers and sisters to worship.
I find it both interesting and sad to talk to people and/or to see social media information about some who have no problem going to sporting events, community events, malls, theme parks, movies, and other very public places, but who, at the same time, make the choice to stay at home when their church family assembles for Bible study and/or worship. It appears, at least to me, that many of those choices about worship are made merely because it is easier to go online than to make the effort to worship or study in person.
A recent conversation I had helps to underscore that point. A person was honest enough to tell me that it was “just easier” to go online instead of assembling with a local congregation.
Before I go any further with this and get myself in any more trouble than might already be the case, I am, in no way thinking about those for whom some form of online worship is the only viable or safe option because of health and/or other circumstances. I am thankful for both the technology which makes this possible and the hearts of individuals who take advantage of this option.
I am also not thinking about those who use the technology we have available to actually engage in worship. I know of people who make appropriate preparation to come as close to worshiping in person as they possibly can. For some, this even means dressing as they would if they were actually at the assembly
What I am concerned about are people who seem to be able to go to other places and do other things, but choose what they may see as the “easy way” when it comes to worship and/or Bible study. The comment about it being easier to merely watch online brought some thoughts to my mind and maybe crystalized them to some extent.
It is sad and discouraging to me that, while some were making the easy choice to watch online, a teacher was teaching a Bible class for which much preparation had been made. It wasn’t easy for that teacher to prepare to teach the class and, in some cases, try to control some squirming little ones. However, commitment to the Lord and concern for souls meant that the class was taught.
Also, while some had chosen the “easy way,” a preacher was doing his best to help people understand the word of God and become better acquainted with Him. He had studied, prepared, and prayed prior to delivering what he continued to pray was a scriptural, beneficial, and timely lesson. That is not easy, but, once again, because of commitment and concern, that sermon was preached.
I’m well aware of the fact that some may think I’m going overboard with this next observation, but I’m willing to discuss it anytime and anywhere and with anybody. I wonder if those who choose the “easy way” have considered this next thought.
The easy thing for the Lord to do was to remain in heaven and never come to earth in order to die for our sins. However, commitment to His Father’s will and concern for our souls motivated Him to do just that. For that reason alone, He is worthy of our worship.
All of this is making me wonder if some have misunderstood what worship is. There are far too many things to be said about worship to be discussed here. There is, however, one thing that I think we all need to consider. Until somebody can show me where I am wrong, I will continue to believe, teach, and practice the following:
“Worship” is something that Christians make an effort to do –
not something they try to find time to watch.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
