Things I Think…
1.“Do not fear” is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible and the one most repeated by Christians to shame other Christians who are wearing masks and taking the Covid19 pandemic seriously. If you aren’t ever afraid these days, you’re on better drugs than I am…
2. Fear isn’t the issue, nor is it a sin. The reaction to fear is the issue…it is intended to turn you to God for your security and hope…it’s intended to be replaced by faith. Unfortunately, we’re only turning to God to pray for or against the political solutions being proffered and those who are proffering them…it’s not working…
3. Until we repent of the idolatry that thinks our problems are political and so are the solutions, we are lost and without hope. The exhortations to go to the polls and vote our Christian values are empty when there is no one who truly represents those values…believing there is such is delusional at best and sinful at worst…
4. Just because this crisis has been handled horribly, does not mean it’s not a crisis…the sickening hypocrisy of allowing protests, but closing churches and businesses, the big state funerals when you can’t bury your own dead properly…these things should upset and confound us. That doesn’t make the pandemic any less deadly…
5. My primary concern is with the emotional and spiritual health of the church…if you’re struggling, let someone know…
6. The pandemic is not subject to declarations and demands that we get back to normal. The sooner we admit this isn’t normal, nor is it going to be normal anytime soon, and thus turn to God instead of politicians, the better off we’ll be…we can’t will this away…
7. Amongst the many casualties of the pandemic, one that no one is talking about is the mission field…businesses can’t give if they can’t make…
8. Between the politics and the pandemic, I’ve lost count of the broken relationships…we should be mourning this instead of wearing it as a badge of honor…
9. I’m glad sports are back and I don’t care if you are or not…
10. People in countries where they really are oppressed and persecuted must gag at how we abuse our freedoms and complain about the gifts we have been given…
Good thoughts Michael. I struggle with fear quite often these days. Just yesterday or today I remarked to my wife I am becoming more fearful of people now than the actual virus…people (mainly believers) who are becoming more and more paranoid and turning to conspiracy theories instead of God. Sad that the idea of implanting microchips into someone used to be the domain of the mentally insane, and now otherwise normal people are buying into it.
Why…Joel Osteen is partnering with World Vision to HELP people with food and supplies, and those who cluck their tongues at him…conservative Christians…are the ones screaming about their rights, the mark of the beast, having to wear a mask, etc. Some are practicing the faith…others are not.
Any my Twins are in first place.
Dan,
Anyone who’s not afraid at times these days doesn’t understand the situation…
Agreed.
#10 though……
“People in countries where they really are oppressed and persecuted…” probably wish they could spell out for us the actual definitions of “rights” and “freedoms” .
As far as number 4 is concerned, do you think it’s possible that Newsom was just trying to shut the gatherings he could control? He would no-way win strongarming a protest shut down. I tried to put myself in his shoes and if I believed that gatherings would prolong this quarantine, I may have chosen churches and funerals. Maybe, he was taking the easy way out by choosing shut down targets he thought were less powerful to challenge him, because he needed to take action politically.
Alex G.
Beats me…my guess is that it’s a combo of politics and the fact that indoors is more dangerous than outdoors…
Michael,
My takes in no particular order.
#9 – Agreed. Even in the limited sports reminds us of how thing were before the virus and gives encouragement that things will be better in the future. Life goes on.
#6 – I agree 100%. The sooner people realize the scope and size of the problem and admit that, then can work on solutions can be done.
#8 – I suspect many of the relationship broken over this may have seemed close, but upon further examination reveals then to be far less “authentic” in reality. Not to say you should not mourn, but to use a common phrase, YMMV.
our spoiled and entitled culture is truly gag-worthy. Again, my chant through this whole mess has been “this is a golden opportunity for the Church to minister, serve, and grow” but like most opportunities, we can’t see it, spin it, squeeze it, or seize it. Argh.
I am enjoying watching stories that argue over whether sports are getting good ratings or not. Objective truth does not exist. That’s why Covid Floyd Doesn’t Matter… nothing matters. Just send stimulus checks and let us stay home. I am close to retiring. Maybe one more stimulus vote
I very much want to retire, but have a fear of “leaving my post”.
People want me to boycott sports because some leagues have endorsed political issues they oppose.
I simply want to watch a game and will.
I wish I did want to watch a game. I was getting increasingly jaded about sports and all the non-sports news AND the money.
Then last year when the NBA rolled over like submissive dog under the scorn of China I knew I was near a point of complete disgust. The wealthiest athletes on earth refusing to speak justice for those under the thumb of oppression PURELY to protect their brand and branding. Then they suddenly become the moral conscience of a nation.
Anyway it is time for rank and file Americans to speak up about China –
Watch your sports – its no different from my apple typewriter that will send this message.
A vacation from rage might be in order
Rageaholic Dread
Do not retire. Ever.
I share Jim’s sentiments. 🙂
Re: #1
I wear a mask because businesses have a right to refuse service. I wear one at work, in addition to other protocols (though 6ft is almost impossible to follow at all times), because they pay me to provide for myself and my family. Both reasons are respecting authority. No one is talking about forcing the mark of ThE bEaSt yet… Though bio ware will come.
Lastly, caring about others is the point. This Logan’s Run attitude, mostly among conservatives, really makes me sad. The Protests? That had to play out, short of a police state. That they have transformed into riots and people being murdered by rioters is tragic.
bob1,
Come to Florida. It will solidify your thoughts on the matter.