Essential versus Non-essential
One of the ways our governing authorities have sought to address life during this time of COVID-19 is by determining which services are essential and which are not. Not surprisingly, we (believers) didn’t expect to see eye to eye on everything our unbelieving government considered essential and non-essential.
We understand that healthcare providers, emergency services, food and agriculture, to name a few, are essential, but not abortion services, pot shops or destructive protests.
My point is NOT to stir up your convictions or emotions about what you like or dislike about our governing authorities or our current state of affairs. My point is to make sure you and I as the Lord's church remember what IS essential in times like these.
Here are just a few ESSENTIALS to be mindful of:
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Col. 3:16)
"Worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24)
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some” (Heb. 10:25)
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27)
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19)
“Be patient with everyone” (1 Thess. 5:14)
“Through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13)
“Let us not judge one another” (Rom. 14:13)
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39)
“Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7) or fear
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything give thanks” (Phil. 4:6)
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit” (Phil. 2:3)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Pet. 2:13)
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32)
“In whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31)
“Do not get drunk with wine…but be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 5:18)
We can discuss and debate our views on the essential nature of sports, restaurants, gyms, hair salons, you name it, but the believer's essential list is determined by what our great, gracious, and good Lord instructs for our good and His glory.
Pastor Jeff
P.S. Can you guess what book our next sermon series will come from by the title of the series? "Overcoming Dysfunction: How to Handle Personal and Church Life Struggles."
Please remember to register for Sunday’s gathering as we are getting closer to the 200 limit in the 10:30am service. We are ready with a LiveStream in the Ministry Center in case of overflow.
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