I was sitting in church yesterday morning thinking about what Sunday mornings used to be like before-well you know, there is no need to rehash it yet again. They were busy, with lots of jobs to get done and people to talk to. For our family of four, all involved in various ministries it was not uncommon for at least one of us to have a meeting either before or after Sunday morning church. It was also not uncommon to receive at least one text message during church about one of the many things happening that day. For many families, especially those with kids in sports, they seemed to always be coming from or going to a game, a meet, or practice.

It seemed like we, the body of believers, were always stressed, somewhat frazzled and honestly distracted.

Distracted from God. Distracted from each other.

Distraction leads to misunderstandings, poor communication and lost opportunities. In our families that usually leads to an argument or harsh being said. Distraction in our relationship with Jesus can lead us to leaving him out of our lives entirely, and us going through religious motions more than having an active and vibrant relationship with him. In our churches, distractions can cause us to miss seeing that person in need or trying to connect.

Since going back to in-person church however, it’s been different. Those feelings of hurry, distraction and stress are gone. As for our family, we are all still involved in the same ministries. However due to a slight time change and some programing changes there is less on Sundays. When we go to church there is no rush, no text messages, no meetings, just church, worshiping. learning and taking in of the message.

Maybe it’s an attitude change? For certain there is more gratitude. I no longer take for granted the gift of attending corporate worship in person. Maybe it’s a greater focus on the reason (to worship God) we go to church? Maybe it’s just less, which leads to the ability to fully engage?

All of this got me thinking is it really so bad? This new schedule, this less, this change.

Those around me know that I have been pretty outspoken about the shutdowns and how wrong I feel they have been and are. But when I step back and look at what once was and how it has changed – I have to wonder. Could it be that God has been preparing us to hear, I mean really hear him? You have to admit, there is definitely less to distract us then there once was. Could it be that “what Satan meant for evil, God intended for good” Genesis 50:20? Could it be that “God is working all things together for good, according to his purpose” Romans 8:28?

And what about the dare I say “fall” of social media? Is it really so bad? We all know the damage social media has had on our society and our young people. The constant posting, scrolling, checking for likes, bullying, the addiction really. The fact more and more people are spending less and less time on social media-is that really a bad thing? I willingly admit to having been on most social media platforms at one time or another. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing pictures of nieces, nephews, family and friends that live in different cities or states? Or seeing pictures of new pets, houses, cars, etc.? But if we are honest, social media has become something different, something that can be hurtful and harmful. Social media has made it too easy to act before thinking.

So, I have to ask again-is it really so bad? Do remember when you had time to actually think before you lashed out in anger or hurt? When someone offended you or hurt your feelings you had to actually go and talk to them face to face! It made for such a different interaction and communication. Not to mention that it didn’t involve hundreds of other people “trying to help”. Ephesians 4:26-31 reminds us to be aware of the words coming out of our mouths.

The thing is we’ve got to get out and live our lives. We need to go to church, have programing, go to ball games and have lunch with our friends. I long for the day when we are busy planning mission trips, summer camps and the like. And social media provides a quick and easy method of communication for those type of events as well as updates while they are happening. It’s not all bad! But it all just kind of makes me wonder.

Could it be that once again God is working his plan out, just doing it in a way that seems unusual to us? Think about how he is destroying idols and addictions when it comes to business and social media?

Could it be that God is forcing us to actually talk with one another face to face again? Could it be that God taking us back to the basics so to speak? Could it be that he is doing a “new thing” as Isaiah 43:19 talks about “something that we don’t see or understand”? Could it be that he is trying to get our attention?

Could it be that God is simply reminding us of our purpose? The assignment Jesus himself gave in Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

The more you think about it, you’ve got to wonder – is it really so bad?