When the World Cries, "Pandemic!"
(Here is the link for reference: A Challenge to the Church - March 2020)
What I originally wrote was in response to the ridicule that I was seeing from those who did not take the virus seriously, it felt to me that there was much unkindness coming from that side towards those who chose to wear masks. As the months have slipped by, I have continued to see heated comments and debates from mask-wearers, and mask-abstainers. (As well as social distancing, whether or not businesses should be open, groups allowed to gather, etc.,)
Beloved brothers and sisters, this is not what we have been called to.
Whether someone wears a mask or not doesn't change the fact that they are created in the image of God, and worthy of the dignity and respect that glorifies their Creator.
"So God created man in His own image,
in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them."
"Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
"By choosing to respect the authorities, and remain in our homes for the sake of not spreading this virus, are we not demonstrating that we value the lives of others over our own comforts and conveniences?May I challenge us to recall our stances on abortion? We argue that one should never be allowed to take another's life, especially not just for the idol of comfort.Is that not what we are threatening to do though when we refuse to take the prescribed precautions because it is not according to our personal preferences?We have become so comfortable here in America, most of us have no idea what persecution really is. Are we so quickly to be shaken when difficulties come our way? "
"Notice that we are not making a constitutional argument, even though the First Amendment of the United States Constitution expressly affirms this principle in its opening words: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The right we are appealing to was not created by the Constitution. It is one of those unalienable rights granted solely by God, who ordained human government and establishes both the extent and the limitations of the state's authority (Romans 13:1–7). Our argument therefore is purposely not grounded in the First Amendment; it is based on the same biblical principles that the Amendment itself is founded upon. The exercise of true religion is a divine duty given to men and women created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27; Acts 4:18–20; 5:29; cf. Matthew 22:16–22). In other words, freedom of worship is a command of God, not a privilege granted by the state.
An additional point needs to be made in this context. Christ is always faithful and true (Revelation 19:11). Human governments are not so trustworthy. Scripture says, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). That refers, of course, to Satan. John 12:31 and 16:11 call him “the ruler of this world,” meaning he wields power and influence through this world’s political systems (cf. Luke 4:6; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12). Jesus said of him, “he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). History is full of painful reminders that government power is easily and frequently abused for evil purposes. Politicians may manipulate statistics and the media can cover up or camouflage inconvenient truths. So a discerning church cannot passively or automatically comply if the government orders a shutdown of congregational meetings—even if the reason given is a concern for public health and safety.
The church by definition is an assembly. That is the literal meaning of the Greek word for “church”—ekklesia—the assembly of the called-out ones. A non-assembling assembly is a contradiction in terms. Christians are therefore commanded not to forsake the practice of meeting together (Hebrews 10:25)—and no earthly state has a right to restrict, delimit, or forbid the assembling of believers. We have always supported the underground church in nations where Christian congregational worship is deemed illegal by the state.
When officials restrict church attendance to a certain number, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the saints to gather as the church. When officials prohibit singing in worship services, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the people of God to obey the commands of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. When officials mandate distancing, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible to experience the close communion between believers that is commanded in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In all those spheres, we must submit to our Lord. "
To keep from quoting the entire article, I would highly encourage you to check out the addendum of the same link. I agree heartily with the statements in this article, and the addendum echoes my heart as I reconsider my thoughts from my post back in March.
Regardless, dear ones, of where you stand in the whole debate - As citizens of a better country, we need to face the cries of, "Pandemic!" with eyes that are fixed on our heavenly abode, and we must seek every opportunity to share the gospel and the peace of Christ in the midst of a troubled and tumultuous world.
"'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'"
"Nothing is open."
"People are still in quarantine."
Etc., are so very easy to slip into.
We are here for a purpose, that is to be ambassadors for Christ as we sojourn through this life.
We are not excused from that calling due to illnesses, persecution, financial situation, etc,.
While the way in which we glorify Him may change, dependent upon our personal life circumstances, and according to the gifts that we have been given - Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are called to seek His kingdom first! (Matthew 6:33)
"Rejoice always,
give thanks in all circumstances;
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