The Christian response to our current condition

This blog post is not medical.  It is not political.  It examines our current condition through the lens of the Bible.  We will debunk common perspectives, examine what scripture says about the existing condition, lend our perspective, and offer some suggestions about what we have come to believe.

Everyone knows what is going on, and has been affected in some way by our current condition.  Everyone reacts in their own way.  Even people of faith react in different ways: some find comfort in their faith, some chose to lead lives of service, some attend services and Bible studies online.  Depending on your circumstances, all of these, or some combination of them, may be appropriate.

A few famously have defied laws and health advice, choosing to gather in service as usual.  Some of these people wax philosophic, reasoning that if God calls them home, it is time to go.   Still others have explicitly expressed a faith that God will heal them through the “laying on of hands.”

Several things are worth noting here.  First, a leader of that area was asked to react to that statement on national television.  That person said that they believed in God and the healing power of prayer, but that they did not need the “laying on of hands” to experience that effect.   Second, we liken this perspective to those who refuse medical treatment on the grounds that God will save them if He chooses.  Third, this reminds us of the old joke of the person lost at sea who refuses rescue three times stating that God will save them, dies and then asks God why He did not save them, and God responds that He sent three rescue efforts.

Fear is also the wrong response for a Christian.  Jesus’s own words are instructive.  He does tell us that we should not fear anyone (or in the case of this current crisis, anything) that can destroy the body, but that we should have a healthy fear of that person (Satan) that can destroy the soul. (Matthew 10:27-28)

Reckless behavior is not the Christian response either.  We are often needed here on earth.  The apostle Paul went through this exact thought process.  He explained in his letter to the Philippians that he himself was torn between the desire to die physically so that he could be with God, and the fact that he was needed on earth even more.  (Philippians 1:21-24) Living lives of service is what Paul recognized God was telling him by letting him live.

Obeying authority is a proper Christian response.  There is Biblical precedent for social distancing, quarantining, washing, purification, and cleanliness.  Obviously, they did not have vaccines or face the same kind of illnesses we do today.  However, God is very clear and specific with Moses about what to do in the case of a contagious outbreak. (Leviticus 13) While these restrictions are strict, they do not include the death penalty, but they do include the priests serving the afflicted. Living lives of faith means obeying national, regional and local authority and doing what they tell us to do, as long as it does not conflict with God’s law. (Romans 13:1-4)

Attending online services and Bible study is a proper Christian response.  The advent of technologies that encourage this kind of grouping and the conditions that made it happen could not be anticipated.  Many of us are familiar with the Hebrews 10:25 passage which references the need to assemble together to encourage each other – to the extent we believe that applies to “in person” assemblies, we think it clearly applies to virtual assemblies today. 

Almost everything that can be done in person can be done in these meetings.   Songs, prayers, fellowship, are all supported.  The only thing which cannot be done in these virtual services is communion.  The “table talk” and “communion song” for example, are always a regular feature.  Communion supplies are available online for use in the time in which we partake.  We do not have to have a large gathering.  (Matthew 18:20).  The Greek word “συνηγμένοι” that is used here in this passage to refer to being together is used 59 times in various forms throughout the New Testament.  We see no reason to understand it does not apply to virtual assemblies.

Leading a life of service is an appropriate Christian response.   In this time, it is important to remember that we are called to do good to all people, especially other Christians.  (Galatians 6:10) This is one way we can show that we are Christians so that others can see that we behave differently.  (Matthew 5:16)

Let us summarize “do’s” and “don’ts” for Christians in light of the present affliction.  Do not: live life in fear, act recklessly, disobey authority, or forsake the gathering of ourselves together.  Do: have confidence in your salvation, obey authority, attend online services, and lead a life of service.