THE COVID-19 CHRISTIAN
"If you won't attend church anymore because of COVID-19, you really missed the point of what Christianity is all about, or maybe, you're not a Christian at all."
Got that from a friend who was bothered by the message. She was bothered; I am livid. This is patently false on so many levels.
First of all, it is the respected and wise church leaders themselves who are deciding that we forego physical get-togethers for the safety of everyone. What does the post-er want us to do? Bang on the walls of our church doors and insist on a service? Is that being a Christian?
Second, the govt itself is discouraging mass gatherings to help combat and contain the spread of the virus. It is our duty both as a Christian and a citizen to cooperate. Are we to defy something that will help us win the battle? Is that being a Christian?
Third, no one said we won't be attending church "anymore." It is temporary. How long, no one knows but for us to insist on a physical gathering might make it longer by infecting others and even causing the death of our loved ones and fellow believers. Is that being a Christian?
Fourth, pray tell, is sabotaging our health and the worldwide effort the point of Christianity? Is that going to make people want to know more about the God that we serve as we cough and sneeze our heads off? Is that being a Christian?
My friend, no one is stopping you from going to service if your church is still offering it but do not question someone's faith and condemn him/her. Who are thou to stand in judgment? Besides, as you know, the church is not a building. A church is a group of believers gathered together and if my household shares the same faith, we can still worship at home.
Fifth, if this is your brand of Christianity, I say to you, whoever you are, go back to the Bible. Stay put at home and spend the "community quarantine" time studying the Word instead of pointing fingers at those who wish to survive this pandemic with their lives, the lives of their loved ones, their church leaders, and their fellow church members.
I hope you've been washing those fingers you're wagging at others.