Today, we are conflicted between physical distancing and congregating. On one hand, we are told to protect others and ourselves by staying at least six feet apart, wearing a mask, not singing or talking loudly, and staying in small groups. On the other hand, our backgrounds, social nature, and example of Jesus tell us to reach out and touch, speak up for those who do not have a voice, and care for those who could use our help.

So what are we to do as Christians? How can we honor the best of all worlds? I propose that the current pandemic is an emergency, and emergencies call for measures outside of our established routines. The umbrella that we must live under is love for God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, and for our neighbors as ourselves. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to live life by the basics and tweak the details as appropriate to save in concert with the Savior.

We must render unto government authorities the things required and all things unto God.  God reigns where conflicts occur in our conscience. Truth as we see it wins over falsehood. We will and should  disagree, but we must come together for the common good. We may not be able to congregate now, but we must act as a congregation shaped by the emergency.

We are blessed to live in a time when we can communicate with a very advanced form of smoke signals—although some Zoom sessions seem to go up in smoke of errors. We are cursed as creatures of the ground and blessed as the children of God.

We are each unique and in unique situations. Let us use this opportunity to see ourselves and God in a new light and benefit from the current perspective. Lights shine brightest in darkness. Let’s let our congregation of goodness, love, time, and talent come together as never before in blessings galore.

—Larry Smith