If you are bothered by the cancellation
The fourth commandment is a big part of our reasoning
Please respect the measures taken by our local, state, and national authorities. I know a lot of people, myself included, thought this was just another overblown scare, similar to a snowstorm that never materializes. That was wrong! ALL our leaders--local, state, and national, Democrat and Republican, public and private sector--agree this is a real threat! It's not just another flu. It is more contagious and more deadly. Not that we're all going to die, but many people are dying around the world already, and the disease is highly contagious. As Christians, and especially as Lutherans, we stress that governmental authorities are God's servants as described in Romans 13. They are tasked with providing safety, justice, peace and order in society. They are doing the best they can in the face of this uncertain but potentially catastrophic situation. And let's be honest, they know and care more than we do about it because they are tasked with protecting the lives of all citizens. Let's stay informed and follow the instructions they provide. Let's love our most vulnerable neighbors by helping slow the spread of this disease, even if we're young and healthy. There is no need to panic, but it is a serious situation worth our attention and consideration. Here is the CDC's website.
Some thoughts on worry vs. concern:
There is a difference between worry and concern. Jesus tells us not to worry, but we are to be concerned about many things. We wear seat belts because we are concerned about car accidents. Many people keep guns at home or even carry them concealed because they are concerned about personal safety. Recently, QQ Sushi Kitchen got in trouble because many people were concerned about their sushi being kept on the floor in a viral video. This is all out of concern, which is simply using our human reason to live carefully and responsibly. Concern turns into worry when we do not trust God to ultimately take care of us, and so we take things exclusively into our own hands. Concern maintains trust in God while worry gives way to fear and lack of trust. When we are concerned, we take all reasonable measures to be safe, but ultimately remember that things are in God's hands. The God whose Son became flesh and died for us is not a God who will forget about us during a pandemic. We go to sleep in peace, knowing that he will protect us, and even if the worst happens, he will never leave us. Ultimately, we know heaven is our home. We look forward to a resurrection into a world without disease. So concern does not give way to fear, although worry does. It is not sinful to be concerned about this situation, but remember God still promises that all things work together for the good of those who love him. I do not believe it reflects sinful worry to miss church during a pandemic! It is proper concern for your own health and the health of your neighbor.
Isn't this all a bunch of hype?
Maybe, but maybe not. None of us really knows. Our only serious option is to trust the experts. And they all seem to agree. If they are overreacting, it's on them, not you. But we are called to submit to them (see above). Rather than complain or speculate about it, look for the opportunities God has placed in front of you. Many of you have more time to spend with family or studying God's word. We have many unique opportunities to show love and service to our neighbor in a time of distress. God is good, and he's taking care of you. Trust him to make ALL things, including this, work for the good of those who love him.
Please respect the measures taken by our local, state, and national authorities. I know a lot of people, myself included, thought this was just another overblown scare, similar to a snowstorm that never materializes. That was wrong! ALL our leaders--local, state, and national, Democrat and Republican, public and private sector--agree this is a real threat! It's not just another flu. It is more contagious and more deadly. Not that we're all going to die, but many people are dying around the world already, and the disease is highly contagious. As Christians, and especially as Lutherans, we stress that governmental authorities are God's servants as described in Romans 13. They are tasked with providing safety, justice, peace and order in society. They are doing the best they can in the face of this uncertain but potentially catastrophic situation. And let's be honest, they know and care more than we do about it because they are tasked with protecting the lives of all citizens. Let's stay informed and follow the instructions they provide. Let's love our most vulnerable neighbors by helping slow the spread of this disease, even if we're young and healthy. There is no need to panic, but it is a serious situation worth our attention and consideration. Here is the CDC's website.
Some thoughts on worry vs. concern:
There is a difference between worry and concern. Jesus tells us not to worry, but we are to be concerned about many things. We wear seat belts because we are concerned about car accidents. Many people keep guns at home or even carry them concealed because they are concerned about personal safety. Recently, QQ Sushi Kitchen got in trouble because many people were concerned about their sushi being kept on the floor in a viral video. This is all out of concern, which is simply using our human reason to live carefully and responsibly. Concern turns into worry when we do not trust God to ultimately take care of us, and so we take things exclusively into our own hands. Concern maintains trust in God while worry gives way to fear and lack of trust. When we are concerned, we take all reasonable measures to be safe, but ultimately remember that things are in God's hands. The God whose Son became flesh and died for us is not a God who will forget about us during a pandemic. We go to sleep in peace, knowing that he will protect us, and even if the worst happens, he will never leave us. Ultimately, we know heaven is our home. We look forward to a resurrection into a world without disease. So concern does not give way to fear, although worry does. It is not sinful to be concerned about this situation, but remember God still promises that all things work together for the good of those who love him. I do not believe it reflects sinful worry to miss church during a pandemic! It is proper concern for your own health and the health of your neighbor.
Isn't this all a bunch of hype?
Maybe, but maybe not. None of us really knows. Our only serious option is to trust the experts. And they all seem to agree. If they are overreacting, it's on them, not you. But we are called to submit to them (see above). Rather than complain or speculate about it, look for the opportunities God has placed in front of you. Many of you have more time to spend with family or studying God's word. We have many unique opportunities to show love and service to our neighbor in a time of distress. God is good, and he's taking care of you. Trust him to make ALL things, including this, work for the good of those who love him.
