God, the Church and COVID-19
There is enough misinformation and hype surrounding the Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 that one could easily become cynical. However, there is also enough real information available to give cause for concern. How do we as citizens, Christians and a church navigate these times in a Godly, Biblical way?
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” We tend to fear the unknown. Why? I would suggest it’s because we have no way to control it. How can you control something you don’t know anything about? An uncertain future scares us.
So, How Do We Deal with Fear?
Recognize that fear does not come from God. In fact, 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear…” What’s love got to do with it? First John 4:10 says, “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Verse sixteen says, “And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” Dear friends, we have a God who has loved us so much that He gave His only Son. God says to each of us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Who is holding you? The One who created you is holding you. The One who has secured your eternity is holding you. The God of love is holding you. No wonder that 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear…”
The fear is understandable, given our human nature, but recognize fear’s deceptiveness. It does not take into account that God lovingly took care of your sin disease which has a 100% mortality rate and turned it into eternal life. Trust Him! God can handle COVID-19 and see you through it.
What Does Come from God?
A spirit of power comes from God. He will give you what you need when you need it. Psalm 46:1-3 say, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Proverbs 18:10 adds, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” None of us is powerless in the COVID-19 pandemic, but even if we were, God’s power remains!
A spirit of love comes from God. It is in that Spirit that we choose to do what we can to keep one another safe. Most of us won’t experience major physical complications from COVID-19. However, those of us who are older or who have compromised immune systems for various reasons, are at a much greater risk of having complications. Out of love for my neighbor, I will take necessary precautions to protect them. I also know God’s great love for me; therefore, I need not fear.
A spirit of soundness comes from God. This is wisdom to do what is reasonable, right and self- controlled. This does not buy all the media hype surrounding COVID-19. It realizes that such hype and even misinformation just feeds the hysteria and draws people into a frenzy in order to manipulate them to buy unusually large supplies of toilet paper or to watch a particular network. By the way, COVID-19 doesn’t cause diarrhea. It attacks the respiratory system.
What Really Is COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)?
It is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through droplets as we speak, sneeze or cough. These droplets can live in the air for hours and much longer on certain surfaces such as plastic and steel. The primary symptoms are a fever over 100 degrees, a cough and shortness of breath. Most people will experience more mild symptoms and some may not even know they have it. Some will experience more severe symptoms (especially older people and those who have compromised immune systems) with the potential complication of double pneumonia.
What Should You Do?
If you don’t feel well, stay home. If you think you have the COVID-19 symptoms, call your health care provider or the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 651-201-3920. Do not go to the doctor’s office/clinic without calling first (unless it’s an emergency).
If you think you have been exposed, self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Personal distancing (6 feet or more) is recommended.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. About as long as singing your ABCs or Happy Birthday. By the way, singing Jesus Loves Me takes about 15 seconds for the verse and another 15 seconds for the chorus. It is recommended by the CDC that Alcohol-based sanitizer have at least 70% alcohol (this is a new guideline).
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Don’t pocket it.
Don’t wear a face mask unless you are sick. A face mask won’t protect you and may even make it more likely for you to contract the disease. A face mask can help protect someone from you if you are sick.
If you are a at risk population (low immune system, older population, chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung problems) consider avoiding crowds.
Keep yourself informed with the facts. Don’t just buy into the latest internet scare. Check with one of the following:
Center for Disease Control
Minnesota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health
Southwest Health & Human Services
What is Christ the King Free Lutheran Doing?
TEMPORARY PRECAUTIONS:
The leadership is recommending that you don’t shake hands or engage in physical contact during this time. That means we will forgo our traditional greeting time for now. Bump elbows or give a wave or a high five in the air.
The offering plates will be placed on stands in the back of the sanctuary where you can place your offering when coming in or going out of the sanctuary. This way we won’t be handing the offering plates to one another. Online giving is currently being researched for those who are more accustomed to doing things electronically.
The elders are discussing different ways of conducting Holy Communion to help control person to person contact.
The possibility remains to discontinue all activities, including Sunday school and worship if the COVID- 19 situation warrants. Contingencies for streaming or making the weekly message available online are strong possibilities.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN REFERENCE TO CHURCH:
If you don’t feel well, stay home.
Don’t come to church. If you do get COVID-19, call the office or one of the pastors so we can see how we can help and pray.
If you are concerned about coming due to your own compromised health, stay home and seek to stay connected with the church at home.
Love one another. You may not have fear because of your faith or your good health, but others may be struggling. Respect their fears, seek to encourage them and pray for them.
Remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. It is God’s Spirit that will triumphantly guide us through this time! First John 5:4 says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
In the incredible love of God that casts out fear,
Pastor Tim