The Christian Response

Amidst this 2020 world wide coronavirus pandemic, we are inundated with information on how people should respond. For example, the phrase 'social distancing,' although a misnomer resonates along with hand-washing and sanitizing as they all pertain to protective safeguard measures against the virus. The pandemic has created the call for some 330-million people to 'stay at home' for a period of time in hopes that act will lessen the negatives impacted by the virus. In our nation, where people relish their liberties and freedoms while seeking self-gratifying  'meism,' we find rebuffing and often a flaunting arrogant rejection of any requests, suggestions or orders even though deemed for the good of the order. In short, "I'm going to the beach because it's spring break." "I'll gather with others in church and ignore social distancing because I'm covered in the blood of Jesus."

The two previous paragraphs offer enough raw meat for debate and shouting to defend our respective position and attitudes and recently we Americans appear to enjoy shouting at others who oppose our position and attitude. It seems to this writer that more and more people wish 'to be right rather than getting it right.'

In the song, 'My World,' brother Ray sings, "everybody's got their own opinion and you know I sure got mine..." And here is that opinion from my Christian perspective. (Please note that I speak for myself...never so presumptuous to suggest I have the credentials to speak for Christ). I also am 'covered in the blood of Jesus, which means (to me) that I am forgiven of my sins because Christ bled and died on a cross for those transgressions and I acknowledge that redeeming act of love and forgiveness. Now then, how should I respond to the social and personal recommendations regarding this pandemic? As an act of sister and brotherly love, I shall practice those virus-fighting procedures. I will wash hands often, keep social distance, wear a mask in public and worship my Lord in the confines of my home until a time when this scourge has passed.

To suggest that the Savior's blood protects me regardless of my actions is folly. I don't drive 100 miles per hour holding the notion that God will protect me and others along the highway. I don't ignore my diabetic diet pretending my Lord's love for me will overcome my carelessness and disregard for smart choices.

Those who refuse to join the efforts to slow down the advances of this disease simply cause more deaths and a longer period of time to recover the economic, mental and emotional health of all.