In our most recent sermon, we considered the danger of comparison. As our nation – and especially churches – begin the slow process of recovery, we will be tempted to compare. Some churches will add more options more quickly; some churches will choose to keep their buildings closed longer. Churches in New York City will respond differently than churches in Iowa. And even in the same community, churches will evaluate theological, denominational, and congregational commitments differently.

A helpful word reminds us to navigate these differences with grace. Read more from this article by For the Church below.

As Zion moves forward under our gracious Lord’s providence, our Consistory and pastors will strive to keep these ideas in place as we trust Jesus for what comes next!

Navigating Different COVI-19 Recovery Convictions

“If there is one word to describe how we must navigate re-assimilation amid COVID-19, it’s this: grace.

…Charles Smith wrote: “Prediction: one of the most challenging aspects of the #COVID19 recovery will be disagreements over acceptable post-COVID social norms between friends and family. Hurt feelings will abound if we’re not careful. Extend lots of grace. Everyone is different.”

…I believe one of the ways that the Enemy will seek to divide our ranks within the church is by tempting us to use our opinions against each other. If the Devil has his way, we’ll be throwing stones of accusation from all sides, calling the cautious people “soft,” labeling the optimists of being “reckless.” More than that, the enemy especially loves when we cement ourselves in political corners; adding opinionated fuel to the already tumultuous fire of conflict.

Things can get ugly — very quickly.

We’re Going to Be Different.

…Perhaps you relate to one or more aspects of the following COVID-19 profiles:

Cautious: Those who primarily work from home, follow every aspect of CDC regulations, and prefer to stay conservative about their re-assimilation plan.

Confident: Those who don’t wear a mask, spend greater amounts of time with people outside their home and don’t mind tight proximity, obey the law but don’t necessarily worry much about going the extra-mile with precautions, lean towards re-assimilation now regardless of the news, and some think this crisis may be blown way out of proportion.

“Cauti-dent”: Those who find themselves doing and feeling a little bit of everything in both the cautious and the confident profile.

There are certainly a few more profiles that could be added here, including those who have strong opinions about churches holding services online instead of gathering physically, obedience to government instructions, and conspiracy theories about numerous aspects of the crisis, but those views do not necessarily help us navigate re-assimilation.

It’s Okay to Be Different.

The temptation is to look at these profiles and let your opinion dominate your perspective.
Continue reading “Navigating Different COVID-19…” at For the Church