The
current state of affairs around the world today is one of unprecedented rules, regulations and precautions.
We are not only washing our hands, sanitizing and staying at home for weeks,
but practicing the art of “social distancing.” What was once an absurd concept and
not overly conceivable is now the norm of behaviors in our communities.
However,
despite the precautions needed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus and
guidelines issued by various governing authorities, there are those vigilantes who
continue to march by the beat of their own drum. Their actions are drawing unnecessary attention.
In
the realm of faith, there are those pastors who continue to open their church
sanctuaries for regular services. Although the request has been to shelter in
place, close services to large gatherings and not to meet in groups of more
than ten, we still see those churches still gathering in large crowds on Sundays in defiance to
not only rules set by governors, but the President of the United States.
So,
what are we to do? What is our norm? Should we adhere by the guidelines set by
our State and by the President? Here is a quick look:
-
Romans 13:1
“All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities
except the ones God has chosen.”
- Titus 3:1, “Remind the believers to submit to the
government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what
is good.”
- 1 Peter 2:13-14a, “For the Lord’s sake,
submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials
he has appointed.”
There are some who would be quick to come back
with Acts 5:29, when Peter and the
Apostles exclaimed, “We must obey God
rather than men….” We cannot use this Scripture out of context to defy
governing policies. The Scripture in Acts is in reference to the Apostles being
threatened and under order to never speak or teach about Jesus.
The Apostles were already imprisoned for
preaching and teaching others about Jesus. In the middle of the night, Angels
sent by God, opened the prison doors and led the Apostles outside the Temple
and told them to “…speak to the people
all the words of this Life” (Acts 5:20). They did! As soon
as the sun rose, they went into the Temple and began teaching!
This is a totally different situation and doesn't apply to our current governing guidance towards the coronavirus. We have not
been told to shut down our Churches for good and we have not been ordered to never teach
or preach about Jesus.
We have not been told we can’t minister, pray for,
help or call, text, and write others. We can still have Church and pray on Facebook “live” and continue to witness and minister by
every means possible that doesn’t violate our orders to “social distance” and “shelter
in place.”
Think positively! The Church is not closed….it
has been DEPLOYED! Keep reaching out by all means given to you. Continue to
pray, read/study Scripture, call, text, mail out cards/letters and watch on-line or TV. Think "outside the box" because nothing
has stopped us! Keep spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus to others.