Back to Normal

“When this is over, and things get back to normal.” If you have not thought it, you’ve probably heard someone say it. At the root of this suggestion lies the belief that life will somehow be better when it returns to what it was.

But I wonder? Will it really be better? I suppose things would at least feel more familiar. That, however, opens an additional question, “Should things go back to the way they were?” Was what was - worthy of restoration?

What were things like in your workplace? Is it a worthwhile yearning to return to an egocentric environment where destructive competition and a spirit of self-advancement flourishes? Or have we been forced to consider a more gracious work environment? Where employers are empathetic toward the plight of employees and here workers have discovered a more sensitive, creative, and considerate way of collaboration. Could there be a job environment where valuing and appreciating fellow-workers, proves to be more serene and fulfilling? Should we go back to the way we were?

How about family life? Most young families were so ensnared in the busyness of life that they were controlled by the calendar of daily events rather than the simple love and pure joy of being family. Has the turmoil of today exposed families to something much more intentional, rewarding, and life-altering? Has a virus taught us a forgotten value of family? Will families be better off if they return to the mechanical demands and constant weariness of endless motion? Should we go back to the way we were?

Who can deny that this pandemic has opened the door to reassessing some of the detrimental nuances of what once was normal? One could say that we have all been compelled to look at some new possibilities, to reexamine some old values and think about some constructive changes.

But there is another issue to address. Perhaps the most important one. Does your spiritual life need to return to what it was? Will it be better to go back to the religious normal of months past? Or have these exasperating times rejuvenated some form of spiritual awakening?

We have seen that putting trust in health experts, statisticians, model makers, scientist, and the guidance extended by politicians, has proven faulty at best and completely incompetent at worst. We have come face-to-face with the reality of Scripture – “the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God” (1Cor. 3:19). There is but One whose words are always true (Jn. 17:17). So, we have been reintroduced to the reality of this proverb, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

This time has also reminded us that life is fragile, short, and mysteriously expendable. There is a need to live every day ready to meet God (Heb. 9:27). If we have put our hand to the spiritual plow, we need to labor in the field before us with renewed fervor and dedication and without “looking back” (Lk. 9:62). If there was any pre-pandemic apathy, our current situation offers the opportunity to “fan into flame” our spiritual timidity and to begin to live again by “a spirit of power, love and self-discipline” (2Tim. 1:6-7).

Will things be better for you spiritually if they go back to the way they were? Was your time in the Word sustaining you? Was it able to produce growth? Were God’s inspired messages inspiring life changes? Was your pre-pandemic connection to the church replicating the Lord’s love for His body? Was “seeking first His kingdom” an appropriate description of the intensity of your spiritual dedication (Mt. 6:33)? Was there satisfaction with sporadic attendance? Was there a spiritual hunger directing you to the feast and mutual growth offered within Bible classes? Were you finding the seat of a spectator completely comfortable? Should you go back to the way you were?

Were attitudes of disgruntlement and dissatisfaction used as a ruse to be at odds with other body parts? Did these attitudes turn into destructive gossip about another follower of Christ and one for whom Christ died? Was your faith “working through love”(Gal. 5:6)? Were you giving your all to contribute to the growth of an imperfect body attempting to achieve the fulness of Christ (Eph. 4:16)? Think about it. Should you go back to the way you were?

Throughout Israel’s history God presented multiple opportunities for spiritual renewal. He usually provided those occasions by creating or allowing days, months, and years of pain and suffering. Miseries for which human strength, knowledge, and capability proved utterly useless. The need for God became obvious and the commitment to something new took root. Has God allowed corona-19 to be our invitation to spiritual restoration? Will we take advantage of what God has provided? Or just go back to the way we were?