The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment

Which is more important to Christians?  The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment?  Let me rephrase that.  Which should be more important?  It's the Greatest Commandment, isn't it?  Or did I miss something? I'm asking because of something that's happening now.  Just one example is in a recent CBS News headline:

Pastor holds services despite virus ban, citing 1st Amendment

Seriously.  And he's not the only one.  But that headline really grabbed my attention.   Here's a part of what's going on, from the article.

"I want to let people know that we as a church, we love people, we understand that the virus is a serious issue," Pastor Duncan said. "We do believe this right to meet is upheld by the First Amendment."

The pastor told Lodi police of his plans to stay open. Officers entered a church service last Sunday explaining the state orders to close.

"It was chilling on free speech at that point because it was clear that we were going to have to do something different and or face the consequences," Duncan said.

It's shocking.  As a Christian, it's also very disappointing.  I get it - churches want to meet.  But what happened to the Greatest Commandment? I feel blessed that the church I attend, although relatively small, just recently added some new video equipment in the sanctuary.  When the stay-at-home order came out here in the L A California area, we quickly made a few more upgrades - faster internet connection and a streaming device - and we're able to live-stream our services. Yeah - there are fewer than 10 people there, so the worship music isn't amazing.  But you know what?  it's not the size of the group and what instruments they play.  I'm sure God is just as pleased - maybe even more so - with the trio we have now.  David used to play a harp by himself.  And God was pleased with that. And no - there aren't any other people there besides the pastors and someone to run the sound / video stuff.  But it's still a worship service.  We don't get to see each other, but aren't we really there for God?  If our main goal is to shake hands, hug people and talk about the week with friends - aren't we missing out on the real reason for "church services"?  If you need an answer - YES - if those things are true, we're there for the wrong reasons. And if someone's church isn't streaming their service - just check out YouTube.  Plenty are.  Maybe even another one in your neighborhood.  And maybe your neighbor goes there.  Just because it's a different denomination doesn't mean they don't believe in the same core Christian values.  I hope.  If the core values aren't Christian - then neither is that church! Anyway - this insistence on meeting is just wrong on so many levels.  Let's look at a few of them.  Get some background for this apparent battle between the first amendment and the Greatest Commandment.

Who is our authority?  The government?  Or God?

You may remember something Paul wrote.  Or maybe not.  It's in Romans, so maybe some of you skipped it, because it's too hard?  Hope not.

Submission to the Authorities

Ro 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities.  Isn't that clear enough?  Everyone?  And yes, that includes Christian Pastors.  Actually, it especially includes Christian Pastors.  You are supposed to be our leaders - and you do not understand that passage?

You may not like what the government rulers are doing.  But still, the Bible tells us they are established by God.  The issue is often a question of why God established them.  Did God raise them up to lead us towards Him?  Or did God allow someone to come to power because He wants to give us a wake-up call?  The Bible has examples of both.  And yet, either way, we're told in this passage to submit to them. 

2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.