Pandemic Tip #3

March 20, 2020

There is a tendency to think of right and wrong in absolutes. It’s not our fault. When we were in school we were taught that 2 + 2 = 4, any other answer is wrong. Let’s face it, we carry that over to questionable matters like politics and religion. We develop a “we is us, and they is them” mentality. I can, with almost certainty, declare that this blindness will bring death.

There seems to be an idea that “faith” and “fear” are opposites. Some churches will not be meeting as a congregation until the pandemic has passed. They might be accused of “fear.” Other churches will continue to meet under the guise of “faith.” Others might call it dangerous (at best).

I’m going to propose the unthinkable. Neither are right or wrong. What if, they are not on opposite ends of the stick? Maybe we should look at them as different sides of the cut gem. Both correctly looking at the same thing from a different perspective.

The Bible states that the “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of “wisdom.” [Proverbs 9:10] It also claims the “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of “knowledge.” [Proverbs 1:7] We are also told the “fear of the LORD” is a “fountain of life.” [Proverbs 14:27 KJV]

But God is such a loving God, why should we “fear the LORD?” Without fear we will not gain knowledge or wisdom. Let’s face it, some things are just plain dangerous. A healthy fear will go a long way in keeping us alive. That’s the “fountain of life” thing. But this is where we begin to understand “faith.”  Without one you can’t have the other. Fear by itself will make us irrational, unthinking animals. Faith, without correct knowledge will never give us the wisdom we need. Knowledge and wisdom only come from  _________. (Okay, class what is the answer? Hint, four letters and starts with “f.”)

Ummm, back to matters at hand. Should we “fear” the pandemic? My suspicion is we should. We need to take this seriously and take every possible measure to protect ourselves and others against this virus. On this matter, I also believe we need to obey our governing authorities because they probably have the most accurate information about the situation and are acting in good faith.

Then “faith” steps in… What is the worst that is going to happen to you? If you have experienced the mercy and grace of God, then there should be an absolute trust you will spend eternity in heaven. If you have never repented of your sins and trusted what Jesus has done by shedding His blood on the cross, then you are correct to be in absolute terror of this plague.

Then again, the choice is yours.