Seven Reasons - 6/1/20

“7 Reasons Christians Disagree about When to Reopen & 3 Scriptures We must not Forget Because of That Disagreement” ~~Randy Johns

Seven Reasons Christians Disagree about When to Reopen:

1. Economical Some will argue churches need to reopen to resume consistent giving. Other respond with taking advantage of government assistance.

2. Practical Why be in a rush to reopen if we have to wear a mask and practice social distancing? Is it worth all that trouble right now?

3. Social Extroverts scream, “I am an outgoing, gregarious person! I need to see people!” Introverts quietly think, “This being alone is great!”

4. Generational Studies indicate those who are over the age of 65 are among those thought to be most susceptible to serious complications of COVID-19.

5. Medical Likewise, those with preexisting medical conditions are also especially vulnerable.

6. Political According to a poll from Rasmussen Reports, Republicans are more likely than Democrats or the unaffiliated to reopen the country.

7. Theological Some Christians, anxious to reopen, quote 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we live by faith, not by sight” or use other biblical examples such as God delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Other Christians, being more cautious about reopening, quote Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others,” or quote Jesus when he was being tempted by the devil, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7).

Regardless, Three Scriptures We must not Forget:

1. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)

2. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

3. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)