Churches have certain people they call “shut-ins.“ These are the people who are physically not able to make it to church. Many shut-ins live in their homes with 24-hour care, while others live in assisted living or nursing homes. The shut-ins did not all of a sudden decide they were done with church and no longer wanted to attend, but because of age or failing health or accidents, they no longer have the ability to be in church. Of all the places most of these shut-ins want to be on Sunday morning, it is with their church family. But churches have another kind of shut-in today. Look at this, “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
The disciples were shut in because of their fear of the Jews. It is definitely biblical for Believers to come into the house, shut the door and close the world out. But what happens with many is they receive Christ as Savior and remain shut in and never go out. Jesus said in John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
God has called every Believer in Christ to go in and-out. Christ did not save us to be spiritual shut-ins. Strangely, a Believer can go out and still be shut in if they never speak a word about Jesus. Walking out of a church building does not mean you are not a shut-in. Spiritual shut-ins are those who never let the light of Jesus shine through their lives. Yes, shut yourself in to be alone with Jesus and have fellowship with the body of Christ, but then go out and be the witness God has made you to be.