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I hate what COVID-19 has done to Christian civility. Since I'm not sleeping, let's walk through some of the debates that have happened:
1. First we got to fighting about the very idea of churches closing
1. First we got to fighting about the very idea of churches closing
2. Then we got fighting about whether online services are actually church gatherings or not.
3. Then we got to fighting about whether Romans 13 or 1 Pet and their respective warnings apply to obeying stay at home orders.
4. Of course we have to shout out the conspiracy theories that fly around...
5. Now folks are fighting about whether other churches should reopen or not.
(Let me know if I missed any. I've been in hospital all week and social media hasn't been high on my screentime priorities)
"Kofi, why so sensitiiiiiiiiiive? A little forceful discussion isn't so bad...stop being so [insert pejorative here]"
Well...
Well...
There's a section in our New Testament from Romans 14:1-15:6. I like what @PastorMike Fabarez called it - "The Black and White on Grey Areas"
In that section, Paul says the following:
"So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another." - Romans 14:19 CSB
"So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another." - Romans 14:19 CSB
I have to wonder how in heaven and earth so much of the fighting I've seen does any of that.
I'm sure I will catch for saying this (I did on FB) but here goes: some of y'all need to remember you will go to church with people on different sides of these issues. Now you have two options:
1. Keep this same energy with them you keep on social media. All that smoke you've got for folks online - being that on down to the churchhouse when you're back. Pastors, I feel for y'all if *you* were the ones doing it on social - no hiding place for you!
Or...
Or...
2. You can take a deep breath, have a seat, get your beverage of choice (mine is a Sparkling Ice these days because #keto), get your Bible, read, read and re-read Romans 14:1-15:6 and just chill. Seriously.
In fact, this next week, let's do a Romans 14:1-15:6 challenge - read it twice a day this week from Monday through Sunday and let's see what God does in us as He helps us navigate how to handle believers who differ from us.
Don't get your cues from social media and your favourite pundits- get in the Book...
Who's with me?
Who's with me?
