SENIOR PASTOR EXHORTATION

WEDNESDAY PRAYER ALTAR –  SENIOR PASTOR’S SHARING

Ephesians 5:15-16 
“Be very careful then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

The pandemic and lockdown have indeed wreaked havoc to every aspect of life – health; economy; studies; literally between life and death!

What are the impacts it has upon church members? Here are some of the dangers that we need to take note of so that we remain vigilant and careful:

  1. Some may grow cold in their faith.
  • Our spiritual life is likened to a piece of burning coal. When it is separated from the others, it will quickly cool down. Unless we have a strong fellowship in Life Group/Koinos and are well-rooted believers, we will face the danger of turning cold spiritually like the isolated coal.
  1. Some may be discouraged and lose heart.
  • Especially those whose livelihood are affected and overwhelmed by the many difficulties that they may be facing.
  • Again, they will be extra vulnerable without a fellowship group encouraging and supporting each other.
  1. Some family relationships may be affected.
  • It would be naive to think that every Christian couple or family will be thriving or having good times during this lockdown, which may not be true.
  • New adjustments to ‘work-from-home’ and studying from home can be incredibly stressful and challenging. More time together may result in more friction in the family.
  1. Some may be infected with the virus.
  • It can be terrifying not knowing what to expect and some having to go to quarantine centres.
  • The church strives to render whatever assistance and support possible, especially to those infected and affected.

A researcher said, “When we are allowed to come back together as a church and to meet physically like before, it will probably not be altogether the same people as before. Some may have backslidden; left to join another church and of course the good news is that there will be new ones added in.”

With this background, we must take heed of God’s word, that is not to be unwise but be wise to make the most out of every opportunity.

Do not waste this lockdown. Let us use it for maximal spiritual benefit. There are some things we can leverage on:

  1. Strengthen your spiritual and devotional life.
  • Read devotional and good books that will nurture your spiritual life.
  1. Find a proper balance between work and rest.
  • Do not be tempted to be lazy and unproductive during this time or force a rigid schedule on ourselves and our family.
  1. Stay connected with brothers and sister in Christ.
  • Hebrew 10:25 – “…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
  • It will give you the encouragement and it is also good for our emotional and mental health. Faithfully join the Life Group or Koinos, or seminars that the church has organised so that you will be fed emotionally and mentally.
  1. Find opportunities to bless and help others.
  2. Stay healthy.
  • Take care of our bodies, get enough rest, exercise while observing the SOPs.
  1. Guard our family relationships.
  2. Pray for wisdom and divine openings.

It is during crisis that there can be new opportunities!