Connecting the Dots

Over the years, people who know of my faith and my training in ministry, have a tendency to turn to me when spiritual information is needed. There tends to be two questions that I am asked over and over again because of my degrees from the Seminary. People want to know how about connecting the dots between faith and practice.

The first comes anytime I am present at a family gathering. When it is just about lunch or dinner time, someone will ask me, “Tom, would you mind leading us in prayer?” I am always happy to oblige with “God is great. God is good.” Of course, every student at the Seminary has to take a mandatory “Prayers at Meals 101” before graduation … or at least before the meal after graduation. Winks.

The second question is much more serious. More than any other question, I am asked, “Where is God when bad things are happening?” It is difficult for most people to connect the dots between their faith and a crisis, at least to do so in a consistent manner. Truthfully, studies have been done about it by Wheaton College, and reacting out of fear rather than faith is a very typical response for the vast majority of Americans. In times of crisis, a response of fear is modeled for us much more often than a model of faith.

The COVID-19 pandemic lends itself to people of faith grappling with issues. How do you serve and yet stay safe? Is it showing my lack of faith if I am worried or cautious about my activities? Congregations are re-opening for worship, trying to decide how and when to return. Do you mind if I attempt to answer some of the underlying questions of faith – perhaps in an effort toward connecting the dots?

1)        Is not being ready to go back to church acting out of fear instead of faith?

No, not at all. God has given us through the avenues of science and medicine a pathway for wisdom in caring for ourselves and others. Solomon speaks to us often about wisdom in the book of Proverbs.

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty (Proverbs 22:3).

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6 NIV).

Where there is strife, there is pride; but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Proverbs 13:10 NIV).

2)        If I were a mask, am I acting out of fear instead of faith?

Of course not. Is wearing a mask any different than wearing a seat belt in a car, or taking an antibiotic when we are ill? The masks most of us wear are not to protect ourselves, but to protect others. By wearing masks, we are showing that we love and care for those around us. Following state and CDC guidelines is following government recommendations, the duty of a Christian citizen.

3)        Does it cross the “church & state” line to insist upon people wearing masks to church?

Not only would I answer “No” to this, I might even add that wearing masks is more spiritual than physical or political. Remember that not everyone in the church will agree on the politics of the mask, or even see the physical importance of wearing them. But the Bible is clear than in our freedoms we are not to overlook the brother or sister who has issues with the decisions and the matter. Jesus and Paul spoke at length about the need for Christian unity and this is an incredible example where tension and division can easily be avoided.

communication: key to connecting the dots

The key is to communicate – a trait that most Christians, even those in leadership, tend to struggle with. It is easier not to speak than to speak and have someone disagree. So we lean toward not telling people much about our decisions, which leads to mistrust and “conspiracy theories.” Be upfront. Tell the truth. It could sound something like this:

As a church, we understand the complex circumstances involved with the gathering of people and the need to assure the safety of everyone. Though not everyone agrees with the value and need for wearing masks, evidence seems to persist that wearing a mask reduces risk and promotes a healthier environment. The decision of our leadership is to require masks for attendance. Serving and protecting others by wearing masks is a way we can say we value people and we love them enough to change our behavior.

Our desire is for you to worship with us. We want you to feel safe in doing so. Let’s all get together behind the idea of worshiping God and staying healthy until the risks of “assembling together” have become minimal. Thanks for your cooperation!

Even if you disagreed with that, wouldn’t you feel better about being told up front the reason why?

Faith has value to life because faith changes actions and attitudes. Let’s work on connecting the dots.