It is interesting how people react when their life or the life of their loved ones are threatened by an unseeable enemy.  As a result of the coronavirus, in Australia and other places, we have seen panic buying, even though there is food in abundance and everything we need for life and well-being.  The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison was right when he became aware of this selfish behaviour to say to those who were doing it, “Stop it!” It felt like he was giving a good ‘telling-off’ to naughty little children, and rightly so. 

This past week, we have seen governments tighten the restrictions even further, especially about social gatherings, even so far as to stop religious gatherings which means worship services cannot continue as we would normally do them.  Because of this, some loving Christian left a message on my phone last Sunday afternoon suggesting we were weak by not having public worship services and that we simply caved into the fear being driven by the media and an ungodly government.   Similarly, I have seen Christians on social media platforms arguing about how Christians should behave in times like this.  I felt a little like doing what the Prime Minister did and say ‘Stop it’ for such behaviour is very unhelpful and does absolutely nothing to enhance the name of Christ in our neighbourhoods or on social media.   

As Christians, our first responsibility is to be obedient to the word of God.  In this instance, if we were to ignore what our governments are advising based on the best health advice, we would not only be foolish, we would be disobeying our God’s word on at least two fronts. 

First, Romans 13 reminds us that we should be subject to the governing authorities that God has placed over us.  Normally speaking, they rule for our good and this is certainly such a time. They are not suggesting that we cannot worship our loving Saviour God, they are simply saying, find other ways to worship, keeping in mind that if we gather together like we would usually do, we would be placing the elderly and vulnerable in danger.  We can still worship as families and even as many are doing now, using live-streaming technology.  

Second, the ‘two’ greatest commands are to love God and the second like the first is to love one’s neighbour.   And surely, our closest neighbour is the person next to us, whether it be at home, the mall, or just walking along the street.  

So, this isn’t a question of whether we as Christians are living by faith or alternatively driven by fear, but a question of obedience and loving your closest neighbour.   Over recent days, several ‘elderly’ people have expressed the love their children have shown for their well-being by offering to do the grocery shopping for them.  That is not showing lack of faith but loving their neighbour and showing some common sense. 

Now I realise that Christians who leave unhelpful messages or write things on social media platforms, are passionate and are often driven by a deep love for Christ.  So, it is easy to forgive and move on.   However, let us show restraint and consider carefully another person’s position before we say or write things which we may regret.  JZ