Perspectives on the Pandemic

by Jesse Yow on May 05, 2021

Perspectives on the Pandemic

Over the past year, we have lived through a steady stream of evolving medical guidance and volatile government policies about the Covid-19 pandemic. Pastor Kevin Austin, Principal Julie Knight, and the rest of the ministry team have worked tirelessly to stay abreast of the changes and keep OSLM in operation throughout these strange times. But as we each try to live our lives as God’s children, where can we look for guidance amidst all the public confusion, misinformation, bluster, and concern? No surprise, but God’s word has a lot to say about how we should live, even during a pandemic. Here are some relevant scriptures to prayerfully consider:

Protect our health

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” In strict context, this passage speaks against sexual immorality. God created and redeemed us, though, so the principle of glorifying God in our body extends to health in general. Are we taking steps to protect our health? Good! Think it is OK to get careless? If so, then what are we each doing to the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Protect our neighbor

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 says, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” This passage came out of a dispute over whether it was appropriate to eat meat from sacrifices offered to pagan idols. Remembering Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan, though, the principle of seeking good for our neighbor has broad implications. Does it do any good for our neighbor, or community, if we avoid vaccination for Covid-19? What about vaccinations for polio, flu, or measles? And how does it affect our neighbor if we don’t stand up for civil rights like freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or freedom of religion?

Submission to government:

Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God’” but Acts 5:29 says, “Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Simply put, the context of the first passage involves government’s God-given role to execute justice; the second involves disobeying governance that sets itself above God. However, our situation often involves shades of gray rather than clear black-and-white issues. How do we know when government oversteps its bounds and sets itself above God, and what do we do when that happens?

Our fears vs God’s providence

In Matthew 10:26-31, Jesus says, “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” This is a most reassuring passage to ponder if we are fearful, overly timid, or maybe just don’t want to rock the boat. This passage can restore our balance. Who is really in charge here, and on what level? What does Jesus tell us to do? Make a list of His commands and promises in this passage (I count at least five) and prayerfully consider how these should inform our behavior in these stressful times.

In summary, God’s guidance for us is simple and yet richly complex. Simple in that He is in charge (He is over the media, the government, and the self-styled experts), and He calls us to trust and follow Him. Richly complex in that it speaks to each of us in our own situations. He loves us and will see us through. You can count on it!

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