With the outbreak of the corona virus a new term has been dusted off and returned to use: “social distancing”. Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather in order to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events. It is very difficult for believers in Christ to distance themselves from other believers. After all the scriptures tell us: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” However until the crisis lets up we need to avoid close contact in large groups. There are some biblical principles that we can employ during this period of social distancing to bridge that 6 foot gap between us.
First we can use technology to keep in touch. Churches are using their websites, and live streaming their services, along with email and other technology to minister to one another. We can use our phones, Facebook pages, and text messaging to communicate and care for one another.
Another powerful connector is prayer. God’s people can connect with each other all over the world by the ministry of prayer. No 6 foot barrier can keep us apart when God’s people pray for each other. We must pray for those who are suffering economically, those who are infected by the virus, and those who are lonely and afraid. Let’s be sure to pray for our president, our vice president, our local and state government leaders, as well as the medical personnel. We should be praying for a vaccine to be developed to kill this virus.
One other bridge that we must keep in place is our own relationship with God.Eliminate the social distancing that you have between yourself and the Heavenly Father.He tells us in James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded”.We who know Christ need to use this time get closer and closer to our Lord.Be sure to bridge the gap, keep in touch with fellow believers, and draw near to God.