Why can’t America deal with the Coronavirus? Maybe for the same reason we can’t seem to deal with much of anything these days? We’re so split on just about every issue. If you ask people what color is the sky, I bet we couldn’t even agree on that!
But maybe it’s not what you think. I don’t believe it’s really political, although that seems to be a big factor. I don’t think it’s race either, even though that also appears to be another big factor. The question is, are those really the problem? Or are they symptoms of the real problem?
Take a look at the image, either to the right or below depending on how you view this. Fire and Ice. Fire should melt the ice, and then the melted ice – water – puts out the fire, right? Or maybe the fire is so hot it just evaporates the ice too quickly and the fire rages on.
But that’s not what happens in the U.S. right now. The arguments just keep going. Neither side can “win”, meaning either side can convince the other. The ice doesn’t melt. And the fire doesn’t go out. And so we end up with things that seem beyond belief.
Why can’t America deal with the Coronavirus?
How can we actually read headlines like a recent one on CNN and still be as messed up as we are?
US coronavirus: More than 940 deaths reported in one day
940 deaths! That’s hard to deal with. But America can deal with 940 Coronavirus deaths. Proof of that is the simple fact that we aren’t willing to do anything substantive about it!
There were 77,255 new cases reported Thursday, topping a previous high set two days ago, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 943 people were reported dead that day.
More than 138,000 people have died from coronavirus nationwide, and experts warn that number will likely go up as hospitalizations rise in several states. In Texas and Arizona, morgues are filling up in the hardest-hit areas and officials are bringing in coolers and refrigerated trailers to store bodies.
America can also deal with the 77,255 Coronavirus cases in one day. And America can deal with the Coronavirus demand for body bags and coolers to store the dead until the morgues can catch up. Again, the proof of that sad and disgusting reality comes in the fact that we can’t come to agreement that this virus is even real! Yes, many still believe it’s a hox! How can that be?
Proof that Americans can’t deal with the Coronavirus
Here’s some of the proof I mentioned.
As some states struggled to tame the virus, the debate over wearing face coverings is heating up. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Thursday over her efforts to require face masks in public places.
Kemp extended Georgia’s emergency coronavirus restrictions and said while people are “strongly encouraged” to wear face coverings — they’re not required. While the order limits public gatherings to 50 people and mandates social distancing, it also prevents local governments from implementing stricter rules than the state’s — including requiring face masks.
But Bottoms’ office told CNN her order remains in effect. “Science and data will continue to drive the city’s decisions. Masks save lives,” a spokesman said.
Good grief! The mayor of Atlanta wants to require people to wear a mask, and the Governor of Georgia is suing to prevent that from happening? What’s going on? So many other countries around the world have already found out that wearing masks really does have a great impact on stopping the Coronavirus. And we have a Governor suing to prevent a requirement for masks, known to save people’s lives, from being put in place?
As I mentioned, it may appear to be a political issue. In this case, the Governor is Republican and the Mayor a Democrat. Or a race issue. The Governor is white and the Mayor black. But I really don’t think that’s the root cause for why we can’t deal with the Coronavirus. It’s deeper than that.
The real reason Americans can’t deal with the Coronavirus is something that’s just as confusing as what we looked at above. If it’s possible, maybe even more confusing. In this country, the generalization is that Christians are Republican and non-Christians are Democratic. Notice – I said generalization. People tend to hold the opposite beliefs as well – that Republicans are more Christian and Democrats more non-Christian.
That’s especially true these days. with a President so brazenly courts Evangelical Christians. But then, adding to the confusion is the fact that this same President acts in such an un-Christian manner. Like I said – so confusing. Can Americans deal with much of anything today?
Does the Bible say anything about things like this?
Of course the Bible has something to say about a situation like this. What’s weird though, is that the Christians should be aware of this. Non-Christians, not so much, if at all.
The Armor of God
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Eph 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Yeah – it’s the good versus evil thing. Something Christians should be aware of. And should believe. But also something non-Christians aren’t as likely to believe even when they hear about it.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not knocking the non-Christians here. As a Christian, it’s not my place to do that. It is my place to try to convince you that God does exist and the Bible is true. But not to beat you over the head or dislike you if you don’t agree.
On the other hand, I do believe it is my place to warn Christians when we stray away from what the Bible teaches. And one of the things it clearly teaches is that this isn’t a battle between Republican and Democrat, one race against another race, young versus old, men versus women, or any other popular pair of “enemies”.
So what I am doing is reminding Christians of what Paul wrote. Reminding all of us that this battle isn’t amongst ourselves. It’s a spiritual battle, and we’re supposed to be on the side of good. In that light, what’s the good that comes from suing a Mayor who wants to save the lives of the people in her city by requiring them to wear masks?
I’m also writing to non-Christians, in no small part to let you know what we Christians should be like. What we should believe. And therefore, how we should act. And I’m asking you to not reject Christianity because of the failings of some people. Instead, view it for what it is, and consider that it’s more loving and caring than you might think.
And of course, to everyone, I ask you to consider that our failure to behave like Christians isn’t a major contributing factor to why Americans can’t deal with the Coronavirus?
What else does the Bible say?
The Greatest Commandment – Matthew
22:34-40 pp — Mk 12:28-31
Mt 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Mt 22:37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Love your neighbor as yourself
Yeah – it says that too. Other than the people who go to COVID parties to try to get sick (talk about confusing!), is there anyone who really wants to catch this thing? No, of course not. So why don’t we have the same feeling for everyone else?
Again, I ask this especially of Christians. How can we claim to be a Christian, but not do everything we can to help keep others from getting sick and maybe dying from COVID-19? How? We can’t! John made that extremely clear.
Walking in the Light
1Jn 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1Jn 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
1Jn 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1Jn 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1Jn 2:7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
1Jn 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
1Jn 2:12 I write to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
1Jn 2:13 I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
because you have known the Father.
1Jn 2:14 I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
Do you love God?
It’s all important and relevant to this topic, but notice:
1Jn 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
If you need it, let me translate. Our “brother” is everyone. And if we love someone (everyone is the command), then we want them to stay safe from this virus. Refusing to wear a mask is one big way to keep this virus going trong. That means we don’t love others. That, in turn, means we hate others. And that, as John puts it, means we hate God.
I know – that’s hard. But hey – it’s not me saying it. It’s John. John, who walked with Jesus during His time on earth. It’s in the Bible that we, as Christians, are not only supposed to believe but also follow.
Do love God?
Do you love other people? All of them?
Again – do you love God, according to what John wrote?
Conclusion – Why can’t America deal with the Coronavirus?
There are so many people in this country that claim to be Christian. And yes, that includes many of our political leaders who are against wearing masks. So the key word must be claim to be Christian.
If we really did act like Jesus taught us to, wearing masks wouldn’t be an issue. Even atheist countries wear masks. And they don’t have anywhere near the problems we do. Of course, Christians should remember what Jesus said about that kind of behavior.
Love for Enemies – Matthew
Mt 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Again, a translation if needed. Don’t just love the people who are like you. Like everyone. Even, and even especially, the ones who aren’t like you.
If we do that, maybe America can deal with the Coronavirus.
Image by Iván Tamás from Pixabay
Our church asked, “What is something that is putting you in a state of despair right now?” and I replied that I am in a state of despair because our church isn’t meeting and I feel that it signals a lack of faith that God would not protect us and another sister replied, “We have faith… BUT…people are dying” What if Abraham would have replied like that? “I have faith….BUT…this is my promised son?” I don’t know…feel like I am dangling on the end of a line.
Hi Lisa – I think a lot of people are asking questions like that right now. I’m curious – does your church do streaming (like YouTube) or use Zoom? We’re not big – I think maybe about 130 or adult with a growing kids’ church. We have 8 or 9 people actually there to “do” the service and stream it on YouTube and Facebook. And then we have our small groups and studies using Zoom. So for me, at one time there was something going on 4 times a week. One of the classes just ended, so now it’s 3. The service – a life group – and the adult Bible study.
In the Bible Study class, we just finished the Beatitudes and are starting the 7 letters in Revelation. One of the things about the 7 letters is that there are so many ways to look at them. Yes, they’re to a church. But they also have implications all the way from world-wide, countries, states, Etc. down to each of us as individuals.
My point for that is when something happens, like COVID, it is world wide. But there are different reactions to it on so many levels. Country. State. County. City. Church. Person. So when we talk about even faith – it’s different depending on which level we talk about – and where we live. Our church was going through training to prepare for a safe opening. First it got postponed. Now, since we’re in L A County, it’s postponed indefinitely. That’s a combination of the state, country and city where we live.
But it’s also because of our Senior Pastor – who didn’t want to open right away without having folks trained to make the opening as safe as possible. Where we live – the numbers aren’t good. I even got tested yesterday because my wife had some symptoms, and with her job could have come in contact with someone who had the virus. We both came out negative. But then I know people who have relatives that were positive. So out of love and concern, we aren’t opening. But as I said – that’s due in part to where we live.
I believe we need to be careful about saying God will take care of us – implying that we’ll be safe no matter what. Some churches here opened because of things like that. We didn’t. I don’t think it’a a lack of faith. For me and from talking to our Pastors, it’s out of love – like concern for our seniors. But again – there’s here. Other parts of CA and of the country, it’s probably different – although it seems more states are getting worse.
I believe the other thing you ask about is meeting. Just a question – but do we have to meet as a large group? In the early church, the meetings were often at someone’s home. And while even that can be a problem – depending on where you live, indoor / outdoor, people’s ages, jobs, Etc. it might be easier to socially distance and stay safe than a large meeting – especially the whole congregation.
If people have the ability, doing something like Zoom is good too. We do all our groups that way. For my group(s) – we go over the stuff I write. Others normally get a book – after talking with the Pastor – and go through the book & / or video.
It’s odd at first for most people. That’s the field I worked in, so it was easy for me. But other than one or two people who refuse to try, everyone really does get into it. There are a few who won’t turn on the camera – and that’s OK. But for most, you can’t touch the person, but you can get a lot from the sound of their voice and expressions on faces. It really is way better than nothing. And it’s totally safe. (Just use passwords)
Ultimately, God has given most of us (in this country) ways to “meet” safely, where we can continue to share His Word, comfort each other, feel more connected than you might think, and maintain and even grow our faith. Part of the maintaining of our faith is helping those who aren’t so comfortable with these things.
In a way, this seems to give us more opportunities to reach out to people – new ways at least. Going to church may be too much for a non-believer. Joining a Zoom meeting – maybe not so much. And for a non-believer who’s feeling lonely, an invitation to join a group like that might be just what they need. We actually have one group that had to split up, because it was getting too large from new people being invited that weren’t going to church before.
So maybe instead of looking at faith being measured by not reacting to what we’re missing – we can look at faith as stepping out of our comfort zones and using this COVID crisis as an opportunity to perform the Great Commission – reach out to others.
The basic version of Zoom is free, so all that’s needed is some kind of device. Even a smartphone will work – I have someone in my group that does that.
It’s also have it set up for us seniors to have a “senior buddy” who checks up on us once a week. Mine is a family, the parents and their 2-year old son. We get together on Facetime. Also free. We know each other way better now than we ever did before.
The younger people who are part of this say they get a lot out of it too.
All of this is done out of faith. And it actually helps strengthen our faith when we see what can be done. And when we talk to others who are feeling lonely and when we can invite them to join us – like the light on the hill.
It’s hard. Especially for someone like me who’s private life is so private. And yet, with our faith and with the power of the Holy Spirit – we can do it. So I pray that when we feel like we’re “dangling on the end of a line” that we reach out to Jesus, and ask Him to help us to use that line to bring other to know Him. It’s a bad situation, but with Him we can help to turn around a little bit of it. There’s enough Christians in this country that of we could all do just a bit of that – things would be so much different!
Praying for you & your church,
chris
Hi Lisa – How are you doing? Has your church starting meeting yet?