In July I lost a dear friend, one of our global mission partners in India: Smita Singh. While Smita lived over 8,500 miles from Atlanta, she left an impact upon many of us at Peachtree and upon many around the world. Her impact was clearly felt as a part of the body of Christ as people reflected on her life, not only in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States, and several other countries. While all of us may not have the opportunity to influence folks around the world like Smita, we do have the opportunity to affect the lives of others where we live, where we work, where we go to school, and where we play.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul emphasizes how important it is for followers of Christ to be united and connected. We were not made to live in isolation from one another but to live as one connected body. We are part of something larger than our individual selves. What we do affects others and vice versa.
The past few months have been challenging as we continue to hear the terms “socially distance” and “quarantine.” While it may seem these terms go against the meaning of Paul’s message, I believe we can still have an influence on others around us. Though it may look different now and may take more intentional creativity, we can still be connected to one another. I know I am grateful for the technology of Face Time and Zoom so that with family and friends we can still celebrate important milestones together!
Paul knew what it was like to be socially isolated and distant from the ministry he built. While he was in prison with Silas, he was separated from what he knew. Nevertheless, God used both Paul and Silas in their isolation to impact other prisoners and guards.
The body of Christ needs you, and it needs the unique gifts that God has given you, especially during this pandemic. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. We are valuable to God and to the body. Together, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).