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Monday Meditation: Isolation Does Not Have to Mean Desolation

Governor Cooper issued a stay at home order on Friday for the state of North Carolina through the end of April. Social distancing and isolation are real. I realize that many of us will still be working. I also realize that many who remain at home are responsible for children or aging parents. But all of us will be affected by these bans.

We can no longer join friends or spouses for lunch at a favorite restaurant. We can no longer meet with our children’s friends for playdates. We can no longer meet together for worship services at our local churches. I could go on, but you are very well aware of these isolating circumstances.

I’m not here to debate the validity of the isolation, nor am I going to bemoan the difficulty of it. Rather, I would simply like to point out that God has used isolation as a tool for spiritual development for thousands of years. How can you be sure that God uses this situation in your life as a means of growth and development?

Here’s a short list of the ways God worked through people in the Bible while they were in places of isolation:

  • In the isolation of prison, God helped Joseph overcome bitterness and pride in preparing him to rescue his family from the famine.
  • In the isolation of the wilderness, God developed the heart and patience Moses would need to lead Israel during the exodus and their wilderness wanderings.
  • In the isolation of shepherding, God taught David the importance of worship and knowing the Good Shepherd.
  • In the isolation of famine, God taught Elijah his need to trust God for his daily needs.
  • In the isolation of captivity, God taught Daniel and his three friends the power of prayer and keeping the faith.

This is just a sampling. Throughout Scripture, God used isolating circumstances to get the spiritual attention of his people. Maybe he’s doing that with you and me today.

I reached out to some folks this past week with the question, “How are you managing your isolation?” I received a litany of responses. Here are some of the things people are doing to manage their isolating circumstances: housework, yard-work, serving family and neighbors, FaceTime with kids and grandkids, reading, writing, cooking, gardening, making art, playing music, studying, watching streamed worship services, writing down and sharing inspirational thoughts, walking, praying, exercising, making face-masks for hospitals, spending time with family, playing games, doing puzzles, extra devotional time, and schoolwork. These responses were great! Many of these activities provide natural stress relief. They help us deal with isolation while keeping us from desolation.

What can we take away from biblical examples and comments above to grow during this time of isolation? Here are several recommendation:

  • Set aside time each day to unplug and be quiet. It is tempting to constantly search for the latest COVID-19 update or binge watch tv. And these things aren’t necessarily wrong. But we will grow in the quiet with God. To be quiet and unplug for a period of time each day might require some aid from a spouse. Don’t be afraid to ask for some time alone.
  • Read the Bible and pray. Often, my time to unplug and be quiet is my time for prayer and Bible reading. They go together. Make sure you are reading the timeless and universal truths of Scripture and communicating to the only One who is sovereign.
  • Connect with others through communication. That we are socially distant and isolated does not mean that we cannot have any social interaction. Make time daily to talk to those in your life who matter most (parents, children, grandchildren). Call a neighbor. Text an acquaintance. Message someone you know. I’ve reached out to dozens of people in various ways in the last several weeks. My aim was to encourage them, but I’ve come away from nearly every conversation encouraged myself.
  • Find some good activities to relieve stress. The things people are doing to manage isolation are great. See the excellent list above provided by some of my friends. While all of these may not work for you, I would encourage you to find one (or several) that you can put into practice. Not only are these activities likely to reduce your stress, they can be God’s means for personal growth and development over the next weeks.

This time of isolation does not have to lead to desolation. It can lead to spiritual fruit in your life. By embracing the positives and opportunities of this situation, God can use these days to bring us closer to him. That in itself would be worth the isolation.

If you are in need of prayer or conversation, feel free to reach out. I’m happy and available to pray for you or chat with you. Message me through the social media platform that directed you to this blog or comment below.

Photo by Claudel Rheault on Unsplash

Serving Habits of Spiritually Healthy Pastors

This article was first published before the COVID-19 pandemic affected the US. Pastors, if you are reading this and serving your congregation faithfully in these unique times, then let me commend you! I think our service to the church in the coming days/weeks must be more prayerful and focus on communication. Church members, if you are reading this, know that your pastor is under a unique set of pressures as he tries to serve you and the church through this. Pray for him. Pray for your church. Find ways to serve. If you are able continue giving to your church during this time. One of the challenges he will face in these days is the pressure of finances. It is unavoidable.

At first glance, you might think this is a no-brainer article for pastors and church leaders. Of course, pastors serve. Isn’t that our job?

But there’s a difference between the outward actions of serving and the inward spirit of a servant. Christ desires not only that we serve His church, but that we have His mind and put others first.

In previous articles, I addressed the worship habits and learning habits of spiritually healthy pastors. These traits, coupled with a habit of serving others, allows us to embrace the mission of Christ to become His followers in action and attitude.

HABIT #1—USE TIME AND TALENTS TO REGULARLY PUT OTHERS FIRST. 

Most of us who have a ministry career get the concept of service. The word minister means “to serve.” Our gifts, abilities, calling, and responsibilities are service-oriented. 

To preach is to serve the church in teaching and prayer ministry (Acts 6:4). The habit I’m suggesting here, however, isn’t always outwardly visible. 

As pastors, we should have a motivation to serve that goes beyond being noticed by others. Visiting a sick church member, caring for a family during a funeral, or preaching each week are visible ministries.

Serving with our talents and gifts are vital, but what about when no one sees us? Do we serve with our time in these moments? Do we have the character of a servant? 

For example, if you’re married and have kids, do you serve your family by helping out around the house, guiding your children in their chores, and taking the lead when discipline is required?

Do you serve others in your community and church when no one else sees? To have the mind of Christ is to put others first and serve regularly. 

Compare your heart and serving habits to Mark 10:45 and Philippians 2:4-8. We’re called to not just look like servants, but to be servants. 

HABIT #2—CONSISTENTLY PROTECT THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH.

Difficult deacons, selfish church members, and churches that run off pastors all have a bad reputation.

But unfortunately, as often as I hear about another church that’s run off a pastor, I hear about a pastor who’s left a church in shambles. 

Without the character of a servant, the patience of a shepherd, and the wisdom of Christ, it can become easy for pastors to conclude they’re the ones in charge. Not true. 

Christ alone is Lord of His church. The pastor is to shepherd, oversee, feed, and guide the church, but not rule the church.

Pastors who appear to serve out of ego affirmation aren’t protecting the unity of the church. Pastors who rule like dictators aren’t protecting the unity of the church. Pastors who unwisely stir up unnecessary conflict aren’t protecting the unity of the church.

If you have the role to lead a church, you need the character to match it—a heart that serves and a desire to help the church grow in spiritual health and unity. 

HABIT #3—CONNECT WITH MISSION PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. 

If churches must get outside their walls to minister to the community, so should pastors.

Most pastors and church leaders have enough going on inside the church to keep them busy for weeks if not much longer. Our congregations wouldn’t be disappointed to have our time, attention, and effort focused on them.

Of course, ministry to our church through preaching, shepherding, and leading is of primary importance. But if we expect our congregation to serve faithfully in the community and the world through mission and organizational partnerships, then we must lead by example. 

Find a local mission organization where you can serve regularly (maybe with your small group or another group in the church), as well as a national or international mission partner with whom you can participate in mission service outside your local context.

Serving outside your church opens the door for evangelism, models service to your church, and reflects the example of Christ.

Originally published here at LifeWay Facts and Trends.

Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash