Christian liberty

I have heard that talking politics during a state of emergency is not the right time to do it.  (It’s kinda like when people say talking about gun control after a mass shooting is wrong.    Hmmm.    Seems like  the best time to me.)   Well, I have discovered that as we are living in this  time of constant upheaval from the pandemic that discussing why and how we got here brings us to politics.

Now, this may surprise some of you but I am not about to blame Trump for the deaths caused by coronavirus.

But, I am going to bring up what you and I are doing about it, or not doing about it – and why.    I listened to a short devotion the other day and the topic was Christian liberty vs. American liberty.   It is a subject that I have thought about at times when we are faced with decisions within our country that may challenge Christian living.   Today’s concern is all about masks. It’s about social distancing.    A Christian is a person who lives by God’s rules and by Jesus’s example.   Would Jesus wear a mask??   Would Jesus social distance right now?    Would Jesus offer help to those unemployed?

Yes.  Yes.   Yes.

The liberty a Christian experiences  comes from living as a follower of Jesus, and to think “What would Jesus do?” And then respond best to it as one can.    Christians  know the guidelines God gave:   Love your neighbor as yourself.    And this one: For every time there is a season.     And:  Feed the hungry, clothe the naked.  Tend the poor.

Christians also of course live in the real world.  In this country we have a whole set of laws and rules to follow as citizens. They are set up to stop chaos and havoc, and to live Safely and peacefully with each other.   Most times they are not really tough things to follow… like road rules.  Perhaps neighborhood restrictions. Noise regulations when needed.   Some are obvious, and some perhaps a bit annoying.  Some can be restrictive to businesses and schools.  Zoning laws.  Health requirements.  Some are called ‘guidelines’ and they leave some leeway on whether we really have to follow them or not. We are given a choice….  given The liberty to decide.

Oh –  American freedoms.   We love Them!  The founders wrote it down and it’s like concrete now.   If we question them at all we are considered un-American.    But sometimes, they can make living here tougher.   Personal freedoms differ in our minds and personal responsibilities vary Too.   Our country was founded on allowing citizens to have lots of freedoms.   We see every day that some people respect them, some abuse them.

Question:   Which is more important to you??    Christian freedom or civil freedom?   Can you support both? Can you accept both?   Can they go hand in hand?

As a follower of Jesus do you feel it’s okay to walk around without a mask?  Do you accept the need to get society running again – with businesses opening up?    How would Jesus handle it?

I think it’s easier for non-Christians to do what they personal want to do – especially now.  They can live looking out for ‘numero uno’ and To care mostly about bank accounts, and selfish comforts.    They can accept lies in pretty packages, and they can go on like it’s no big deal.

I am reminded that it is not Always easy to be a Christian.

Christians are called to seek the truth, to share the love, to bring peace.    At all times – all seasons – with all neighbors.