I have devoted several hours trying to ensure that this article it is not misunderstood. As I write these words there is a prayer ascending upward asking for God’s help. It is not the first time I have prayed this same prayer. My heart is heavy as I think about my brothers and sisters at Palm Beach Lakes.
These words are not addressed to every member. We have all been impacted for the past two years by Covid and our nation’s attempt to deal with its threat to our lives. We have all been forced to make changes in various ways and some even today are isolated from our society for their health’s sake. I fully understand this, and these words are not intended for you.
There are many members whose lives have changed in recent months for things are not nearly as threatening now as before. This has enabled many of you to leave your homes far more than in the past to get groceries, buy gas, to go to work, perhaps to eat out and run other errands. You have made changes, but have you changed what is happening in worshiping God? Your Sundays are so different from what they were two years ago. Far too many have become spectators of worship and not participators.
What brought this to my mind in such a vivid way was what happened in our building this past Sunday. When the amount given for Mission Sunday was revealed, throughout the auditorium there was a sense of “wow” and hearts filled with thanksgiving. Someone said, “The oxygen level in the auditorium dropped 35% when the number was announced.”
The closing songs of praise were from the depths of the heart of every member present. After services almost everyone talked to others about all that had just happened. We shared together in this victory for world evangelism.
If you were watching the service at home, you missed sharing this with brethren. I am fearful that the mind of some, who may have been joyful, thought about what Palm Beach Lakes did, but not what we did. You missed the many expressions of joy and your life is emptier. My heart is heavy for you.
The church is a body with a common spirit of service to God and to each other. Far too many have not worshiped in two years by speaking to others in spiritual songs. When traveling I have occasionally worshiped online, but it is so different. I was not speaking to others in singing, nor were they speaking to me. It’s not the same. His plan of coming together to worship is what He wants.
My heart is heavy. I fear that the choices you have made about your Sundays have weakened you. Feeding your soul is more vital than getting food for your body. I will continue to pray for you. My heart is heavy.