We find ourselves in crazy times. I mean, we always think that’s the case, for one reason or another, but right now, things are literally insane. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus and its subsequent development to pandemic status, the world appears to be coming undone. You know things have gotten serious when the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA all make the decision to either play in empty arenas or go full-stop when there is money to be made. They say “money makes the world go ‘round.” Apparently, we have found what even money can’t move. Things have gotten serious.
If I am to love others as I love myself, my personal preferences must be made subservient to their well-being and care.
If you spend any time at all watching the news, reading updates on various social media outlets, or even engaging in casual conversation in public or private, you are sure to hear a wide range of responses to our current crisis. These responses run the full gamut, from complete and total indifference to combative levels of care and caution. While I do have a doctorate, I am not that kind of doctor, so I happily defer to “real” doctors and the opinions of trained professionals. I trust that, as many medical professionals are saying, COVID-19 is not the terrifying plague that it is being made out to be. I also trust, however, when they say that it does create cause for caution. I happen to be an extremely healthy soon-to-be 40-year-old. As such, I have relatively little to fear (though, if I am being honest, my inner germaphobe is in full-out panic mode). At times like these, we all could use a little reminder; IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ME.
While my family and I may not be at risk, there are many vulnerable folks in my congregation and in the broader community that are and they have serious cause for concern. In keeping with the concepts of grace and compassion modeled by Jesus, I will happily take proper precautions and limit my freedom for the good of others. In Galatians 5:13-14, Paul calls his readers to do as much. He writes, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” If I am to love others as I love myself, my personal preferences must be made subservient to their well-being and care.
Many have been indignant that religious or academic institutions would possibly suspend public gatherings in response to the current outbreak, but I would argue that’s just good leadership and faithful stewardship.
As for myself and the leadership of First Baptist Church, we will humbly take the advice and instruction that is offered from the CDC and other respected medical professionals. This does not indicate, as some have suggested with “righteous” indignation, that we lack faith. While we are called to be fools for the sake of Christ, this doesn’t mean we must act foolishly to be faithful. We have a wealth of understanding that God has allowed humanity to collect through the ages. It would be poor stewardship not to act in accordance with this knowledge. Many have been indignant that religious or academic institutions would possibly suspend public gatherings in response to the current outbreak, but I would argue that’s just good leadership and faithful stewardship. It’s the responsibility of leadership to protect their people.
We know that thoroughly washing our hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds dramatically decreases our chances of contracting communicable diseases and infections. We further understand, that using the right types of anti-bacterial hand sanitizers creates further layers of protection. No one would argue that we are demonstrating greater faith if we refuse to wash our hands or use sanitizers when they’re available. Literally no one would say, “You wash your hands?! OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH!” Not only would we be considered incredibly foolish, we would also be considered ridiculously nasty, and RIGHTLY SO! Just as choosing to wash my hands doesn’t make me faithless, neither does following the advice of trained medical professionals.
Let’s all endeavor to take care; not only for our own health and benefit, but for the benefit of others. Further, let’s not impugn the faith of others for choosing to be cautious. We’re living in crazy times, but that doesn’t mean we are excused from acting with courtesy and compassion. If anything, these virtues are even more necessary to calm the cares of the communities in which we live. AND, DON’T FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS!
