The World Health Organization has officially declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. There has been much discussion about what people need to do in order to keep themselves and others safe during this time. People are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, to not touch their face, and to practice “social distancing.” Social distancing means reducing your social interactions and to keep as much distance as possible between yourself and others. The idea is that if we do not come in contact with the virus, we will not catch it, and if we do not catch it, we can not spread it.
Spiritual Distancing, Not Social Distancing
While this advice is wise concerning situations like COVID-19, it should never be translated into our spiritual lives. Rather than social distancing, however, people often practice spiritual distancing.
Far too many people struggle silently. They begin to distance themselves from others who could help. They don’t talk to their pastor, they drop out of their small group, they quit going to church, they speak only superficially to brothers and sisters in Christ, they avoid family and friends, and they even try to run from God. Like Adam and Eve who hid from God after sin had entered their lives, they try to distance themselves from all spiritual help. The Bible says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). When we have a spiritual need, the last thing we should do is to distance ourselves from the Source of spiritual strength, health, and restoration.
Bear One Another’s Burdens
We are also told that we, as the Body of Christ, are to “bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the Law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). As such, the Church, the Body of Christ, our brothers and sisters in the faith, are to be a reservoir of help for us whenever we are struggling. We always need each other, even as the different parts of the body are interdependent on one another, but this is especially true when we are struggling or hurting. Don’t neglect those whom God has placed around you to help you in times of need. Don’t distance yourselves from them, but run to their fellowship, their prayers, their counsel, and their support.
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As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.