Vicarious

February 2, 2021

“It’s not the same.” My friend Cameron and I were meeting for coffee for the first time in nearly a year. We used to meet at Starbucks, but when COVID hit, they shut down their indoor space, and with all the new regulations piled on top of regular ministry matters, he got real busy in a hurry. Today was to me like a draft of cold water to a man dying of thirst. He couldn’t spare the time we both really wanted, but as we caught up on our families, and how we were handling what has been dumped in our laps, we naturally talked about how Christian ministry has been impacted by it.

It’s not been all bad; difficulties help us recognize those parts of life and work that can or cannot weather storms. Often the daily routines mask weaknesses that are only revealed through stress. Any civil engineer understands that the steel components of a bridge need to be stressed to the breaking point so the project doesn’t collapse under normal use. This past year, the Engineer has tested us. We’ve learned what needs to be strengthened, and what needs to be cast aside.

We talked about virtual worship. When Linda and I were quarantined, we watched Park church’s service on TV. It’s not the same. God wired us to need one another. Staring at a screen, even singing along, cannot replace the camaraderie and fellowship of face to face gatherings, even if we must “mask up” and social distance. And yet this is what many are choosing to do. Some stay home due to health reasons. Some stay home for the health of others. Unfortunately, too many are staying home either because of fear or because it’s easier. They can lounge around in their pajamas, sipping their coffee, listen to the music and sermon, and call it good. But it’s not. The human soul was designed for an intimacy that cannot be obtained watching a screen. This may sound a bit radical, but vicarious worship via a screen is not far removed from vicarious sex via a pornographic website. It feels good, but isolates and hardens the soul.

I’m not trying to condemn anyone. There are legitimate reasons for staying home, but I suspect they are less common than what we’re seeing. Meeting today with my friend drove home to me once more how important our times together are. I drank deeply of Christian fellowship this morning, and am so thankful for it.