I read a great article online from Relevant Magazine titled- COVID-19 and the Church: An Emergency Physician’s Thoughts by Dr. Chris Zalesky.
I would like to share some excerpts from his article. I also want to emphasize that following government guidelines that are based on the recommendations of doctors and the Center for Disease Control is using wisdom. It is not lacking faith.
Diseases are the result of the curse on nature because of sin. Not all sickness is from the enemy, Satan. We live in a fallen world. We are not exempt from the troubles of this world. The difference is that we know Jesus is with us no matter what troubles we experience.
If we care about our neighbors, we will limit contact. We should be especially concerned for those who in the high risk categories- over 60 years old, lung diseases like asthma or emphysema, and chronic illnesses like lupus, arthritis etc or cancer resulting in being immune suppressed.
The question we who are Christians need to ask ourselves is whether we love our neighbors. If we do, we will care about limiting exposure. We will also care about helping those who are suffering because of the virus such as making sure our elderly neighbors or neighbors who are immuno compromised are okay,
Please read the excerpts from the article and even better read the whole article by clicking on the link above.
Thank you for reading. God Bless. Here are the excerpts.
Have a deep concern for the well-being of all people trying to ensure not one more person dies of this virus (Col 3:12-17).
- The idea that we should not have a spirit of fear does not mean we should not have an appropriate spirit of wise response. Fear does not drive our decisions but available information and a concern for the sanctity of all life should.
- We are being ask to follow social distancing directives to slow the spread of the virus but if we are ever called to serve the sick in person let us be the first to volunteer. Understand that right now social distancing is as much an act of service to those at risk than being at their side.
Care for those in your church and neighborhood who are at high risk (1 John 4: 17-21).
- Make sure they have the food, groceries and medicine they need as they may be scared to go get these things on their own and see if you can drop off groceries or needed supplies at their door for them
- Understand that loving people right now might involve more inaction than action. We often think serving the sick means being at the bedside, but this time is different. We are trying to prevent people from ever being sick by not being at their side. Distance during viral pandemics can be a gift. Pray for people, talk with them and be with them from distance. Let us be flexible and creative enough to still love people in ways that do not cause the spread of disease.
Follow the guidance of the Health Care Response to not gather remembering the church is not a building but God’s people. t.
- Connect in different ways, online sermons, devotionals, prayer calls, text groups. In times such as these, we can be the church without being in a church.
Let our voice be one of calm preparedness that rests on Christ.
- Christianity never promises we will not get sick, but it does promise we will have a security greater than our health (Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 1:8–9).
As we walk through these days let us always know that Christ is not a savior who is unaware of our suffering. With Christ joining us together, we have the opportunity to shine as the Church, united as one people, in these days, to honor our leaders, and experience more deeply that the Church is more than a building. Amid the pandemic let us be marked with wisdom, calm and peace. Please pray those serving on the front lines of health care for wisdom, rest, and strength. Right now, we can help people through adhering to social distancing so we can slow the spread of if this pandemic but let us have hearts that are ready to serve in person if this pandemic worsens.
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