I am disturbed by a byproduct of the unrest caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Usually, there is broad agreement among my peers in ministry in response to incidents that affect our nation, but in this instance, I have seen men that I love and respect insulted and maligned by other men that I love and respect because they differ on how Christians should respond to the situation. We have an opportunity to impact lives with the gospel during a time when our nation and our world are on edge, but we seem to be wasting vital energy attacking others needlessly.
Romans 14 deals with how we are to treat each other when we differ on a matter of a personal application of a scriptural principle. Verse three commands, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” Since all Christians are accepted in Christ, we should accept each other regardless of our differing opinions on how to apply Biblical principles. Paul specifically addressed the issue of whether or not to eat meat. Some felt that it would be better to eat no meat at all while others liked a good steak. If human nature were to rule in this case, two opposing factions might emerge. But rather than splitting into Carnivore Baptist Fellowship and the Fundamental Herbivore Association, the Holy Spirit instructs believers to respect each other’s differing points of view and not to do anything that would cause their brethren to stumble.
We must apply the same principle to our current situation for the sake of each other, the sake of those we minister to, and the sake of the gospel. There are some very important truths which we agree on, and remembering these truths can help us respect those who have a different opinion on how we should respond to this virus.
What We Agree On
The first thing we agree on is the fact the God is “sovereign.” I don’t mean “sovereign” as in, “He’s watching and won’t let this get too out of hand,” but “sovereign” as in “Not even a single virus can do anything unless God allows it.” It was a belief in this kind of sovereignty that led Stonewall Jackson to say, “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.” It was a belief in this kind of sovereignty that led Joseph to say, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20) We agree God’s in control of this.
The second thing we agree on is that God’s Word must guide our decisions. Neither mass hysteria, ignorant denial, nor cooky conspiracy theories dictate how we move forward. We will be guided by the principles of the Bible. Gathering reliable information must play a part in our decision making for “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13) Good advice also helps us make wise choices. (Proverbs 13:10) But at the end of it all, we are guided by God through His Word for it alone is “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) We agree: God’s Word must be our guide.
We also agree that souls are precious. Many people are thinking of the reality of death more than they have previously. That presents an opportunity that no God-fearing people-loving Christian wants to miss. God is “not willing that any should perish” and neither are we. We see in this situation a unique chance to reach souls with the gospel, and we want to make the most of it. We agree: eternal souls are precious, and we must do all that we can to reach them with the gospel.
We agree on the sovereignty of God, the preciousness of souls, and the importance of the Word of God. Remembering these helps us navigate the areas we may disagree.
What We Disagree On
It is apparent than many people have a basic disagreement regarding the severity of the situation. You have the one extreme of outright denial that such a virus exists, the other extreme that this is the new bubonic plague, and every opinion in between. However, none of us really knows how bad it is or isn’t, and none of us can know how bad it will get. Only our sovereign God knows. The important thing to remember is that we all must trust Him. But beware of judging another person’s level of trust based upon your perception. It would be arrogant and ignorant to accuse someone of not trusting God because they washed their hands, for instance. And if they take greater precautions, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have lost faith in God. On the other hand, don’t accuse someone of blind presumption because they don’t see the need to take the same measures you have to protect yourself and others. They aren’t necessarily jumping off the pinnacle of the temple because they haven’t taken all the precautions that you have.
There is also a considerable rift developing over the proper response to government direction. Some states and localities have issued mandates that are troubling, to be sure. As a red-blooded Baptist who happens also to be American, I bristle when I read that some places have banned church gatherings outright. My ancestors didn’t march over the mountains and fight the British oppressors so that we could have elected officials dictate to us when we can and can’t have church. The actions of some governments have severely muddied the waters so that now we have some who accuse their brethren of bowing to the government if they choose to cancel or alter services temporarily and others who condemn their brethren as ignorant conspiratorialists if they don’t follow the government’s direction. Here is the beauty of the local church: each church is its own entity that must follow the leadership of Christ as He directs through His Word. Each pastor and congregation will answer to God for themselves and no one else. For this reason, each must be free to make their own decisions, and we should each respect the decisions that our brethren make as they seek to follow God’s word. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
A corresponding divide has arisen over the wisdom of canceling services in response to the situation. Some decry their brethren as demonstrating a lack of faith if they alter any plans because of the virus, while others say you are foolish and presumptuous if you carry on with business as usual. Both sides justify their position on the basis of souls. One side says, “People are thinking about death more than ever. How can we cancel church and maybe miss an opportunity to reach them with the gospel?!” The other side says, “People are watching how the church responds to this, and if we ignore the situation, it could ruin our testimony and hinder us from reaching people with the gospel!” The good news is, these sides are not mutually exclusive. We can take advantage of the unique opportunities this situation presents us to reach people with the gospel while at the same time protecting our testimony. What that looks like for each church will be a little different, and in some cases, drastically different, but we can respect that each is doing what they believe God would have them do to win souls, saving them from eternal death in hell.
I urge my brothers and sisters in Christ to use this time to be peacemakers and not to sow discord. There is no doctrine of COVID-19 in the Bible to defend. Let us lay aside our pride and remember that we are not called to defend our opinions; we are called to defend the faith. Let us pray. Let us trust. Let us follow God’s Word. Let us win souls for the glory of God.
