WE ARE FACING A CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME!
With the uncertainty surrounding the covid virus and how leadership has addressed it on local and national levels, I feel I need God’s help discerning a valid and effective personal strategy for dealing with the virus process. Here are some questions and principles reflecting the breadth of convictions and emotions of Christ-followers on this issue.
Hopefully these thoughts will help us all to agree on some things – even if we have differing views (which appears to be God’s counsel). This post is not meant to communicate my personal conclusions, but to stimulate conversation, so we can honor Jesus through our choices, our words, and our actions.
Check these out (especially the passages) – I think you’ll be glad you took the time.
Some thoughts as to science, authorities, and experts:
Slow the spread/there are various views as to efficacy of CDC strategies and mask success. This causes confusion for people. I know a number of people associated with the medical community who have very diverse perspectives when addressing covid. What are we supposed to believe? How do we deal with personal and widespread mistrust of government institutions as to motives and expertise while in the middle of an active crisis? (Titus 3:1-11)
Some thoughts as to wisdom:
Acts 20:25-32 Leaders are supposed to guard the flock (how do we discern what this means with covid?)
Isaiah 31:1-5 Chariots, horses, or the Lord God? (who is Egypt now?/how do we trust God and apply principles of wisdom with this?)
1 Corinthians 8 What is my part in protecting the safety of others by my choices? (This is where some of the wrestling occurs/must we look down on someone with whom we disagree? Does that really mean they have a stronger or weaker conscience?)
As to faith:
Psalm 91 is clear that God is a Sun and a Shield to those who fear Him (see Psalm 84). Both psalms are worth a read – for comfort and perspective!
As to conscience and one another:
Romans 14:23 (because when all is said and done: “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”)
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 Are we not all meant to think with sound judgment and not contribute to divisions?
As to fear:
Satan is the father of lies (which produce division). John 8:44
Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18
There is no need for us to choose sides and be divided over this issue. In fact – we are comprehensively warned by God NOT to do this. (1 Corinthians 1:10,11; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26) I in no way advocate dividing into faith groups and science groups. This is unrealistic. It seems like this is the perfect storm for division – and a rejection of everything Jesus taught us about loving one another. I must remind myself that the Word of God provides stability to discern all issues in any century (2 Peter 1:4). I also need to remember that there is no greater Scientist than the Lord God, that all Philosophies will one day be subjected to Him, and that the only true Theology is found by searching the woven threads of the God Story.
So – conversation should be invited, openness and kindness should be observed, and an acceptance that we will not all agree must be a recognized reality – because long after this pandemic is gone we will still be living with each other. As Christ-followers, let’s refrain from making edicts – we are contending for the faith in dealing with covid as with anything else. Let our personal conviction come from God (Exodus 15:26).
Give preference to one another in love. (Romans 12:10)
Dave