When I discovered that we were going to have to change the way we worship last Friday I was not pleased. Then I found out that there is a good possibility that we might not be able to even worship at Easter and that lack of pleasure on my part was made infinitely worse. I'm still not thrilled, but St. James words stood out to me and helped me remember how I'm supposed to look at such things.
Who are we to make plans anyway? We aren't promised tomorrow. We don't know what happens from one day to the next. Though, we might think we are in control, we have to remember that God is sovereign and His plans always take precedence over our own. Maybe its a flat tire on our way to a birthday party, or a plague preventing us from worshipping the risen Christ. Regardless of what tragedy might befall us, or what event it might keep us from, its all apart of our Lord's will, and what He is teaching us right now (or at least me) is that we need to trust him.
The governor has asked a lot of us over the past few weeks and will probably ask some more. I'm already not his biggest fan (not talking stature or girth here), but we are called as Christians to obey him and if that means giving up things that bring us comfort, then we need to do that, and for our ultimate benefit. That's all apart of our Lord's will too. Its why he calls us to be obedient to our governing authorities.
My wife's aunt was helpful here. She's a Mennonite and about a week ago her church closed their school down. She was talking with the school teacher and asked if she thought that was a little much, but the school teacher said that as a Christian she feels that it is her responsibility to "go the extra mile" when the government asks her to comply.
Now of course there are limits to this. Governments can't compel us to violate God's word. But in the present situation obedience is not only permissible, but it preferable. We have to keep our communities safe and if that means giving up those things that make us comfortable, than so be it.
But in this is also submission to our higher authority. Its okay to be upset about churches not having regular worship services, but its not okay for us to circumvent the system. God, in His infant wisdom, and for reasons unknown to us, has seen feet to give us this plague. What we do with it matters.
I've decided that I'm going to make the most of it and use it for things that edify the body and help us to further trust in the sovereignty of God. It is Lent after all and that's ultimately what Lent is all about. Giving things up that make us comfortable so that we might be formed further into Christ's image. Once again... This plague is actually a blessing.
Now many people are going to chose to ignore the spiritual ramifications of the plague. I drove by the beer store today and it was packed. The liquor store too. Not that there's anything wrong with those things. But if you're using the quarantine to escape from your thoughts instead of holding each of your thoughts captive for Christ, then you're missing out on a great opportunity. Lenten plagues don't happen every year. So really think about what I've said. We have so much free time on our hands, why not make the most of it?
Don't boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. Instead submit yourself to the sovereign will of the Father and be blessed in doing so. Whatever that might look like in your own life. Jesus is still King no matter what might befall us!
Stay safe out there. Wash your hands. Listen to the governor.
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