Live in the spirit of unity, the bond of peace

This is a unique time with unique challenges as well as unique opportunities.

We are making decisions we never thought we would have to make, facing aspects of life we never expected to encounter. All our best laid plans have been set aside. We are inundated with new information and our days begin to blur together. The questions come like at us like a shotgun: Are we taking the right precautions? Are we being too cautious? How are we going to handle the financial impacts? Are we going to survive this collectively and individually?

Yet, I believe during these unprecedented times, the question that will most shape our personal and collective futures is: Who am I becoming?

James 4:7-12 in The Message reads: “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, His Message, His Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?”

In every response to every situation, I either become more like Him or more like me. Are my attitudes, beliefs, relationships reflecting me or the One who knows the future? Am I looking, sounding and acting more like Christ? Are my family, congregation, coworkers, world seeing and hearing a more accurate portrayal of Christ through me? On the other side of COVID-19 will we look, talk and live more like Christ?

The next big question we are all facing is: When and how do we reopen?

The answer is dependent upon our contexts and it is difficult to have a one-size-fits-all approach. However, Foursquare President Randy Remington recently offered four guiding questions to consider in our quest.

· IS IT ETHICAL?

· IS IT LEGAL?

· IS IT MISSIONAL? ·IS IT PRACTICAL? These questions are contextual.

While the church has left the building, the building has never been the church. The church is still ministering, reaching, innovating and growing worldwide. Does opening our buildings further or hinder that mission?

It is not virtuous to risk life, rather it is a virtue to preserve life. Are we making loving and safe decisions? Do we know what the legal guidelines are and are we following them? Can we meet the requirements and is it realistic to meet in person?

In all our answer-seeking, God is speaking. Are we still enough to listen? Just as Mary chose best while Martha was distracted by many things, are we choosing the one thing that matters most, sitting at the feet of Jesus Christ?

Ultimately, God has called us to become more like Him and to live in the spirit of unity and the bond of peace.

Praying for you.