The pandemic of separation has been long and unfortunately things returning to normal does not seem to be right around the corner. This week kids returned to school in the county where I live. However, this will most certainly cause there to be a renewed outcry on social media due to the inevitable uptick of Covid-19 positives.
This blog post is not an attempt to argue whether or not the kids should be returning to the classroom, the legitimacy of distancing, the effectiveness of mask wearing, or the efficacy of hydroclorquine. Those discussions are being held elsewhere, and maybe you are as exhausted of them as I am. Rather, this post is about the pandemic of separation.
We Were Created For Relationships
Our current dilemma is a great opportunity to remind us that we were created, from the beginning, to be relational. “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). God is a relational being. He does not exist in isolation. I love how the Trinity is on display right there from the beginning. The word “us” displays the Trinity’s activity in creating. Furthermore, as image bearers who were created to reflect our Creator, we too are relational beings. It is who we are, it is how we are hard wired.
It Is Not Good
If you will remember in Genesis 1-2 God created the universe and “it was good” was the consistent refrain. However, when God created man we hear the words, “it was not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). What wasn’t good? Isolation! We might ask, “did God somehow make a mistake?” The answer of course is, no! What wasn’t good was that man was made for relationship and there was no “suitable helper for him.” Though God had created all the animals, Adam could look around him and see that he was uniquely created. He was different from the rest of creation. He was…. an image bearer of the Creator! That’s when God took from Adam and created, the first woman…. and it was good!
I have been wondering what might be the longterm impact on society when we distance ourselves from each other? What’s more, what is the impact on the church whose very existence is wrapped up in relationship and community? The redeemed people of God are a communal body of believers. On the one hand, it’s been good for believers and unbelievers alike to experience a level of social distance. We live in America, we love our isolation, that is, until the choice of it is taken away from us. Now all of the sudden, all this distancing is getting on our collective nerves and I am saying that I am glad for this. Perhaps this will be a source of unexpected encouragement to stir in us and to realize how easily we take social nearness for granted.
Saved For Relationship
The sin in the garden created a social distance from God. Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden, away from God’s presence. This is because the relationship had been tarnished by rebellion. Amazingly, the relationship would not be restored by the guilty sinner. Rather, it was restored by the One who was sinned against! God is unwavering in His committment to the relationship. He sent His Son to die for our sins that we might be reconciled to Him. Meaning Christ’s death literally restored the relationship between us and God and provides for us the ground by which we are saved into a community of believers.
Relationships Are Not A Luxury
Relationships are not a luxury, they are a necessity. Nothing less than the life, death, and resurrection of Christ provides for us meaningful relationships. Perhaps this is why Hebrews tells us to:
24 …let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
There is no getting around this fact when we read the Bible, Christianity is not a solo sport. Did you notice how relational the Scripture above is? Take note of these relational words; us, stir up one another, meet together, and encourage one another… This scripture and hundreds more show us that we are saved into community. Relationships are an inescapable aspect of Christian living. We were not created for isolation and we were not re-created in Christ for isolation! Thus, when the people of God begin to isolate we need to; “consider how to stir up one another…” That is the simple goal of this blog post.
The Pandemic Of Separation
Are you annoyed by the isolation that Covid-19 has created? If yes…good! While on the one hand, we don’t want to join the Israelites in the wilderness and simply complain about our plight. On the other hand, that annoyance is a reminder that we were not created to exist in isolation. Allow the pandemic of separation to leverage you and remind you of your need to live in community.
What practical steps are you able to take to re-engage in a meaningful relationship with other followers of Christ?
What is your strategy to address the pandemic of separation in your life?
Who have you been thinking about reaching out to but you just haven’t made it happen? What can you do to take a step towards that person?
Do you have any unreconciled relationships? How is the Gospel our greatest source of encouragement to restore relationships?
Thank you Tim , your article is very helpful. During intense times such as this, we return to the timeless truths from our Savior. I pray that you and your family are doing well. Miss seeing you .
Thanks Keith for reading the post and commenting – yes, miss seeing you too! Grace to you brother!