Thursday, May 14, 2020
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10
If someone had come to you a year ago and told you what these last 8 weeks would be like, would you have believed them?
• Church doors would be closed and we would be
worshiping online
• Children would be going to school
• Toilet paper would be in short supply
• No one could visit loved ones in the hospital
• Unemployment would go to depression era levels
• Dentist offices would be closed – but liquor stores would
be essential…
• People would create plastic sheets with sleeves so they
could hug each other
The list goes on… and on
It is not only surreal, it is controversial. The practice of “staying at home” to control the spread of a deadly virus makes sense on first glance, but what happens to the people whose livelihoods depend upon the business that are now closed? What happens to the families who need to work to pay the bills and need to be with their children as they “go to school” at home?
Many people want to open everything and trust that people will make wise decisions. Others want to go slowly, having witnessed the pain and heartache that comes with this virus.
These conflicts have, in places elevated to arguments, demonstration and even violence.
Perhaps Paul’s words to the church in Corinth could help us now as well. The reason for the conflict is different, but way to resolution is the same: Keep your eyes on what’s really important.
Keep your eyes on what is most important, or, as Paul put it, “be united in purpose”. As a congregation, our purpose is to love God and love our neighbor. That’s it. Opening up the economy is one way to love our neighbor – as is staying home to stay safe. It isn’t an either or situation – it is about placing the needs of our neighbor over and above our own desires.
Let’s pray: Gracious God, keep our eyes focused on your love as we make decisions that affect the people around us. May we end division in the pursuit of caring for each other.
In Jesus’ name – Amen.
