5.4.3.2.1. The countdown ended as online church began. We were eager to watch. Thirsty for fellowship and the joy of assembling, we found it soul-soothing to worship simultaneously with other believers tuning in around the globe. We’d prepared for this moment, slipping out of pjs into clothes and readying our hearts with prayer. As the bold numbers decreased with each tick of the clock, our anticipation grew. The thrill was tangible as the praise melody flooded the room and the TV screen displayed the platform where the worship team stood. Our hearts melted in the glory of the moment. Then, the camera panned out. Along the front row were parishioners, standing shoulder to shoulder. Slowly, the camera revealed more of the front pews, and a flood of familiar heads lined the bottom of our screen. Why were so many carelessly ignoring the mandate of social distancing? And why was the media team choosing to flaunt this flagrant disregard of the law? I felt the heat of worship turn into a slow simmer that had nothing to do with Jesus and a whole lot to do with my aggravation with His Body. As I watched people hug one another and pat each other on the back, the song became background music to my musings. Our daughter stated what I felt. “It looks like we are the only ones not there.” For her it was a statement of fact. For me, it was a mix of self-righteousness, because I’d obeyed the law, and indignation that others dared to break it.
Then, a young man stepped to the pulpit. Expecting him to comment on the number of rule breakers in the place, I was surprised to hear him welcome everyone to the house of the Lord. “We are so glad to have all of you here tonight,” he said.
His words penetrated my swirling thoughts.
“Eddie, are you playing the LIVE broadcast, or is this an old video?”
“It’s today’s live.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. There was a countdown.”
Our daughter and I sighed. Then giggled. All of our church videos begin with a countdown, and Eddie, new to watching Facebook lives, had started a recorded service. As he set things to rights on our TV screen, I did the same with my heart, but the incident left me with a lesson learned as well as a good laugh.
When our minds shift focus, our hearts follow. The unity we desire and the connection we love to have with God can be severed if we give heed to distraction. When we take our eyes off the Lord, it’s not long before we have our measuring tools in hand, checking to see how well others are following the Law. Like annoyance toward those I thought shouldn’t be in the service, judging elevates our opinion of ourselves while it holds others in a critical light. Therefore, the enemy makes sure his camera pans out and we get a clear picture of what will rub us the wrong way. He wants to make certain that we lose focus on the One we are worshiping and that we lose affection for fellow believers. In this hour, when distancing is mandated in the natural, our hearts don’t have to disconnect. If we feel ourselves leaning toward discontent, we may need to listen to that little voice of truth and let it nudge us back on track. Mindful of time’s movement toward eternity, we can stop counting troubles, and instead, enjoy the countdown to upcoming victories, reconnect to what’s LIVE, and tune in to the voice of the Spirit.
Tip/Tidbit: Counter any negative feelings you have by re-focusing on the One deserving your full attention today.
Then, a young man stepped to the pulpit. Expecting him to comment on the number of rule breakers in the place, I was surprised to hear him welcome everyone to the house of the Lord. “We are so glad to have all of you here tonight,” he said.
His words penetrated my swirling thoughts.
“Eddie, are you playing the LIVE broadcast, or is this an old video?”
“It’s today’s live.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. There was a countdown.”
Our daughter and I sighed. Then giggled. All of our church videos begin with a countdown, and Eddie, new to watching Facebook lives, had started a recorded service. As he set things to rights on our TV screen, I did the same with my heart, but the incident left me with a lesson learned as well as a good laugh.
When our minds shift focus, our hearts follow. The unity we desire and the connection we love to have with God can be severed if we give heed to distraction. When we take our eyes off the Lord, it’s not long before we have our measuring tools in hand, checking to see how well others are following the Law. Like annoyance toward those I thought shouldn’t be in the service, judging elevates our opinion of ourselves while it holds others in a critical light. Therefore, the enemy makes sure his camera pans out and we get a clear picture of what will rub us the wrong way. He wants to make certain that we lose focus on the One we are worshiping and that we lose affection for fellow believers. In this hour, when distancing is mandated in the natural, our hearts don’t have to disconnect. If we feel ourselves leaning toward discontent, we may need to listen to that little voice of truth and let it nudge us back on track. Mindful of time’s movement toward eternity, we can stop counting troubles, and instead, enjoy the countdown to upcoming victories, reconnect to what’s LIVE, and tune in to the voice of the Spirit.
Tip/Tidbit: Counter any negative feelings you have by re-focusing on the One deserving your full attention today.
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