Dear Grace Baptist Family,
We feel it, too. The restrictions on our lives, and especially our worship, have grown old and we all long to have things the way they used to be. We’re with you. But it is important in this crazy season that we bind ourselves to the instructions of the Apostle Paul when he encouraged the Philippians to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ …” (Philippians 1:27)
Christ’s call on our lives, no matter our circumstance, is to be conspicuous as those whose allegiance is first to Christ and Scripture.
At this point, that means honoring the regulations our governmental officials have put in place. Do we agree with these regulations? I’m sure we’re all conflicted, and there certainly are varying degrees of understanding what Paul meant in Romans 13 when he called for Christ-followers to “be subject to the governing authorities.”
And how do we do that? How do we as Christ-followers “walk worthy of the gospel” in this unique season? How do we live “subject to the governing authorities” as Christ-followers?
Some are suggesting that Moses, Gideon and the other Judges, and even Paul himself rebelled against unjust governments, and that we should as well. But, if we study the biblical record we find that Moses was directed in his course of action by God himself, personally and directly, as were the Judges who were obedient to God – their only King! – and empowered by him to protect Israel and deliver them from idolatry. In Paul’s case, his defiance of governmental orders was in line with that of Peter and other Apostles in this way: They only went against governmental regulations and orders when to obey them directly contravened God’s commands.
We can assure you, if our government demanded that we not preach the gospel (as Jerusalem’s officials did in Peter’s case) we would gladly stand with the Apostle and state “we must obey God rather than men.” But what we are enduring now is not religious persecution. The regulations pertain to every segment of society, not just religious organizations.
So, what do we do? Most importantly, we remember that we represent Jesus Christ. We are his ambassadors. We follow the instructions he gave in Mark 12:13-17: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Jesus meant God alone should command our ultimate allegiance. And while some will try to take advantage of this COVID-19 season for political or economic advantage, we must see it as a unique opportunity to testify to the presence of Christ in our lives through the way we think, act, and speak.
So, how do we act when we disagree with our governmental officials? First, we remember to be honoring and respectful in our demeanor, truthful in our assertions, and self-controlled at all times. We also remember that our Christian witness is not disconnected from our earthly citizenship. How we protest reveals that our true citizenship is not of this world.
Second, remember the unbelievers watching us feel the same squeeze we do, but without the hope and assurance of Christ. So while Christ-followers are not called to hide or ignore our frustrations and have every right to speak in the public square, we also have a transcendent identity. We serve our King Jesus, and his reputation must always come first.
Third, it would be tragic if our witness during this season were more characterized by frustration and anger than by the love, life, and hope of Christ. It would be a significant lost opportunity if those around us who are searching for answers and hope would fail to see in us the joy of our eternal home and the rest and refuge we find in our Sovereign God.
Fourthly, as we go forward as a covenantal group of Christ-followers, let us not allow COVID-19 to divide us. All around us the unbelieving world is taking sides, excoriating officials, demeaning those who hold opposing opinions, and generally flinging out their exasperation and anger childishly. But, that cannot be us. Let us be the people of God, the Body of Christ, whose minds and tongues and keyboards are being sanctified, useful to the Master and engaged in good works.
Lastly, as leaders of Grace Baptist Church we want you to know we are working tirelessly to present and promote worship and learning opportunities that God the Spirit can use during this challenging time. We are with you in longing for the day we can be together again. Also, we are in touch with our state and national officials on an almost daily basis, asking questions, getting guidelines, and receiving information that will help us plan the future and be ready to take full advantage each time the regulations are relaxed.
It is obvious that our great enemy Satan is intent on using this season to break down our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t fall for it! Rather, take drastic measures to “run the race before you, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).
Grace to You,
Your Preaching Team
David W. Hegg, Aaron Miller, Jared Burkholder