We heard that the fabric and sewing store in the city was closing down, and was having a going-out-of-business sale. My wife Grace wanted to take advantage of what she hoped to be bargain prices. So we went, but ended up not buying much. While we were there, we observed how many customers (probably regulars) would go up to the store cashier and ask the same question, “Why are you closing?” It was a sad thing to hear the response, “People just aren’t sewing anymore.” People aren’t doing what they used to do. Not anymore. So they don’t come to the store. The business is adversely affected. The business must now close its doors.
I started thinking about the theme, “not anymore.” There will be instances when “not anymore” signals a breakdown in what is good and right. This leads to an undesirable consequence. Such is the case with the closing of the fabric store.
I am reminded of a study regarding a trend that has been observed in the behavior of many church members. One particular trend has been identified as rather “disturbing”: “Your most committed people will attend worship services less frequently than ever … What does this mean? Simply that people who use[d] to attend 4 times a month may only attend 3 times a month. Members who used to come twice a month will only come once a month” (Will Mancini). It may not seem like much, but the net effect is a significant and noticeable decline in church attendance or involvement. In other words, what used to be a rather consistent passion to participate in church events has become a “not anymore.”
I am sure there are valid reasons for some of the occasions of non-attendance. And it would be unfair to make a blanket condemnation of perceived “violators.” Yet, it would be worth my while to reflect if I do have any “not anymore” that may be affecting my community of faith in a significantly unfavorable way. The worst effect, of course, being the church ultimately having to close its doors.
Then, there is a more positive kind of “not anymore.” When Paul writes, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived” (Colossians 3.7 NIV), he is referring to a spiritually bankrupt way of life that should be a Christian’s “not anymore.” Many biblical passages refer to this spiritual truth—like the “old self” (Colossians 3.9; Romans 6.13-14), or the “old things [that] have passed away” (2 Corinthians 5.17). This would also be worth my while to pursue. What kind of “not anymore” am I seeking to achieve?
—Keith Y. Jainga