9.6.2020 Okay, Church Maskers and Non-Masker, pls consider how far reaching our actions are and what is the message we impart to the world around us – I had lunch with a co-worker this week who asked me, “What’s up with you Christians not following simple guidelines?”
Recently many churches (large and small) have found themselves in legal challenges for failing to follow state and local COVID-19 guidance – after easy to find research (do the research), I discovered the following:
1. There is no state or local guidance that directs churches NOT to gather and worship – however, the guidance does direct, if churches are going to gather, do so in such a manner that falls within the guidance for social distancing and masking – states differ ref size of gatherings and application of social distance.
2. There are no churches (large or small) experiencing legal challenges, unless that church failed to meet state and local COVID-19 guidance – in most cases, the church choose a defiant, bold, loud posture for reasons that seem to be unique to the individual church.
I’ve heard and agree with most of the “don’t take my liberty” arguments – typically, the position is, “your compromising my liberty if you make me wear a mask or social distance” – yet, we already comply with so many state a local guidelines:-We like to drive fast, but we (typically) comply with state and local speed limits.
-We do not like to wear seatbelts, but we (typically) comply with state and local seatbelt guidance.-We like to text and drive, but we (typically) comply with state and local mobile phone guidance.
-Some of us like to smoke, but we (typically) comply with state and local guidance about smoking in public.
Seriously, there are hundreds of these that impact our lives in an equal number of ways i.e. fishing hunting, driving, swimming, parking, pet care, walking, biking, camping, etc., etc., – hundreds of state and local guidance’s that we obediently comply without drama or chest pounding – this is not communism, it’s not eroding liberties, this is not state sanctioned churches – perhaps, it’s simply a ‘greater good” effort with motives similar to the hundreds of state a local efforts we comply with today.
For example – our local church gathers and worships every week – our pastoral leadership employed smart safe procedures that are in compliance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines – our church leadership also remains ministry and mission focused – no legal mess, no negative attention, no press drama – no distraction from ministry or mission – no crisis or loss of liberties.
This week JD Greear (SBC President) announced that Summit Church would not be meeting corporately until 2021 – they also incorporated smart safe procedures that are in compliance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines that are also unique to their many congregations – again, ministry and mission focused – no legal mess, no negative attention, no press drama – no distraction from ministry or mission – no crisis or loss of liberties.
Now, before you run down the road of, “What about the protesters?” – my point is to the Church – the New Testament Church Christ established – you can decide if your church is (or is not) part of that Church – my point is not to any beach goers, motorcycle group gatherings, party goers, club/bar goers, protesters, looters, criminals, political activist, etc., etc… – again The Church.
There are many things that motivate Disciples of Christ to behave in different ways – my prayer is that we’ll consider behaviors that reflect Christ in us – perhaps times like these call for motives that speak to a moral illustration of good stewardship, noteworthy citizenship, a deeper desire to be kind and care for our fellowman – perhaps any motive other than our individual selves.
What is the message we impart to the world around us?
Kevin's Thoughts 