“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Ps. 32:8)
A friend posted on Facebook about the great meal he had from a high-end pizza place. He has voiced his frustrations daily about the “fools” not following the COVID-19 guidelines, yet he ordered take-out – touched by preparing hands, and delivered by other hands. He’s assuming that everyone in the process is following the rules, yet he is forgetting about the first common-sense rule: Do not order take-out. I also heard a story today about a person who doesn't care about social distancing and is ignoring all the guidelines for safety. Last night, I was watching a classic baseball game (game four, ’93 Jays vs. A’s), and a commercial came on TV about how responsible Tim Hortons was being in the care of their food & drink preparation and in using Uber Eats to deliver your “needs.” If they truly cared, would they not shut down altogether?
Can people not make coffee at home? (I tested this theory, and I was able to make my own coffee – if I can do it, anyone can.) This morning, I read a news story about Prince Charles, who on March 10, contracted the virus while visiting Prince Albert of Monaco, who also has the virus. People are continually putting themselves at risk, while warning after warning are being released. My hope is that, with “newsworthy” people (celebrities/leaders) showing they are not immune to this virus, the Western world will start to take COVID-19 even more seriously. But, history shows we won’t.
As I truly self-isolate and read and see others refusing to do the same, my first emotion is anger. My second is frustration. I ask myself, Why can’t people follow simple instructions? Then I clearly hear this response in my mind: I know what you mean! God often says that to me. I was reminded of the Israelites, who had simple instructions to lead blessed lives – if only they followed God’s guidelines. I was reminded of Adam and Eve who “blew it” by not being able to follow one simple instruction. I was reminded that we, as sinful people, are incapable of following the basic instructions for our own well-being. Just look at all the sugar (“white death,” as some would call it) at our church potlucks.
Thankfully, we have a reprieve, and it comes in the name of Jesus, the Christ! God has shown us over and over again that there is nothing we can do to keep ourselves pure. History continually repeats itself. This virus will pass, but another will come – because we will not learn from it. The truth is in the reactions of the people today: We know what to do, yet we refuse to do it. Thankfully, we have Jesus and His grace, mercy, and His forgiveness for all our stupidity, ignorance, and outright disobedience. God has blessed us with common sense and doubly blessed us with His forgiveness when we refuse to use that good sense.
God has blessed us with common sense and doubly blessed us with His forgiveness when we refuse to use that good sense.
We will still suffer through our disobedience, but not as much as the Christ suffered for our disobedience. Ask God for guidance on following the simplest instructions, then accept His forgiveness when you don’t. I also want to go to the Timmy’s drive-through, but will instead, head upstairs for a pre-made pot!
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Pet. 3:18)