There is always a danger that we place our own interests before the interests of others. In so many ways, selfish attitudes are so ‘un-Christ-like” for we know that Christ placed our well-being before his personal well-being and preferences. Yet, this placing of our own interests before others is so prevalent in our society and it can easily creep into Christian circles.
As a nation, we see this in the way we are dealing with the Covid-19 response. Initially we heard the jingle, “we’re all in this together” but now only certain postcodes with ‘hotspots’ are locked down. Further, you are only welcome to cross borders if you don’t come from one of the hotspots. Well, I guess the various governments have to be wise in the way they respond to recent Covid-19 spikes, but it doesn’t seem to me that we are all in this together anymore.
As Christians we need to ensure, that in so far as it depends upon us, we place the interests of others before our own. In our response to those living in the ‘hotspots,’ we need to make sure we reach out to them and are supportive, both in word and deed. It may take some thinking ‘outside the box’ how we can assist but let us not be guilty of neglecting them. Perhaps you can organise a food hamper or assist some relief agency who are working in the area, if not physically, then a financial contribution.
I have spoken to several ministerial colleagues this past week about how and when we are going to start worship services again. It’s interesting to hear their different perspectives. Some suggest we should start doing services no matter what for it has now been long enough and the Scriptures tell us not to neglect meeting together. Others suggest we should perhaps wait until the latest spikes decrease so that people can feel safe again. Both have some merit.
Paul says to the Philippian Christians, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4). Now that is worthwhile considering.
I would love to start services again. It would be so much less work. All I would have to do is bring the message and not have to be concerned about getting all the other ‘technology’ bits done. And I would also love to be able to enjoy the fellowship of the saints again – I have missed it and I am sure many others have too.
Then again, while this ‘Covid-19’ is spiking, I also have a responsibility to be mindful of my neighbour’s welfare and place their interest before my own, as difficult as that might be. Most families who have vulnerable individuals in their circles have what has become known as ‘safe-bubbles’ which allows them to still see their loved ones and perhaps one or two close friends. So, by asking them to come to worship services and exposing them to those outside of their ‘safe-bubble’ may not be wise or safe. The same probably applies to those who work in the care and education sectors, for they certainly don’t want to expose their workplaces to the Covid-19 virus.
I am not sure what side of the fence you are on in this discussion, but one thing I do know is that we are called to be Christ-like. Christ placed our interests well and truly before his own, and that is still the best pattern to follow. Please pray that the Lord will give us wisdom as we navigate through this time, and that we would continue to love, care and be patient with each other as we deal with these un-chartered waters. Blessings. JZ