How Is Sin Like Coronavirus?

 

SARS-CoV--2 photo by NIAID 2020

In these days of the novel coronavirus pandemic, its unseen force dominates so many aspects of our lives. People get sick; some who “recover” are left with brain fog, shortness of breath, and debilitating fatigue; and some die. Some who are well have lost their livelihood; others have suffered the pain of seeing their loved one struggle for breath, battle for their life while isolated from others, and ultimately die.

Even if we feel fine ourselves, we are warned that we could be infected without symptoms and spread COVID-19 to others. As a result, we are advised to wear masks, distance ourselves from others, wash hands frequently and avoid high-risk places and gatherings.

It got me to thinking about how the effects of sin in our lives, and the remedies for these consequences, resemble those of the novel coronavirus, but with far greater intensity and severity.

Now about a year since the specter of COVID-19 first reared its ugly head, and about 8 months since widespread lockdowns began, we are all battle-weary from following what many consider to be needless precautions and even restriction of our liberties. We long to be free of masks and resume our lives, doing whatever we please with whomever we please, anywhere in the world. Yet our fatigue does not remove the consequences of our actions.

Whether or not we are born again (John 3:3-8) by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we are all tempted to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25). Sin often appears harmless and even attractive, for the devil can transform himself and his ministers into angels and ministers of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We have the freedom to choose sin and its temporary pleasures, yet we must ultimately pay the penalty for wrong choices (Romans 6:23).

If we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) in our Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot lose our salvation even when we do sin, no matter how willfully we persist in a habitually sinful lifestyle (John 10:29; Romans 8:39). Yet we have so much else to lose. Those who choose to fling COVID restrictions to the wind may soon feel that wind blowing back on them, invading them with virus-laden particles that could compromise their health, their ability to live and function normally, and even their life.

By choosing sin, Christians can lose their testimony, their fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7), their joy in the Lord (Psalm 51:12), their rewards for service in this life and the next (1 Corinthians 3:12-15), and ultimately their physical life (1 Corinthians 5:5). Christians who sin and fail to confess those sins and repent from them will suffer God’s chastening hand (Deuteronomy 8:5; Revelation 3:19), like that of a loving and just parent seeking the best welfare of their child through “tough love.”

God may first speak to His rebellious child in a still,small voice (1 Kings 19:12); then chasten by withholding blessings or privileges; then if necessary scourge with severe illness, loss of livelihood, or death of a loved one (Hebrews 12:6-11). Ultimately, if His child is still unrepentant, He will turn him over to Satan for destruction of the flesh, while sparing his soul to be with Him in Heaven where he can sin no more (1 Corinthians 5:5).

The COVID-19 precautions and interventions advised by scientific and professional societies, and now by many governments, are not new, and actually are an extension of Biblical truth and even of common sense. Mosaic Law called for separation of the sick person, such as the leper, from the healthy (Leviticus 13), and for preventive measures regarding handling and separation of unclean animals (Leviticus 11), corpses, and those who had been in contact with them (Numbers 19:11-16). Such principles have a spiritual as well as a physical application.

The novel coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan, China, at a “wet” market where exotic animals were sold and slaughtered, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected in animal reservoirs including farmed mink, cats, and rabbits, from which it can spread to humans. Once again, Scriptural wisdom, even from Levitical law, turns out to be relevant to the perils we face today.

What parallels could we draw from preventive measures to restrain the spread of coronavirus, and those that the Bible advises to resist the temptation to sin?

Masks help to prevent coronavirus transmission by lessening spread of infectious droplets from the wearer to others, and to a lesser degree, protect the wearer from breathing in such droplets from others. Mask wearing has been a widespread response to outbreaks including the 17^th century plague and the 1918 influenza pandemic. The beak-shaped masks used in the former plague were stuffed with fragrant herbs and flowers to cut down on bad odors thought to carry the disease, reminiscent of Moses warding off the plague by using incense as God had commanded (Numbers 16:46-50), and foreshadowing modern-day use of aromatherapy.

Even when we wear a mask, risk of spreading the virus is much greater while speaking, especially speaking loudly, than in silence, as more infectious droplets escape because of greater breath velocity.

To avoid sinning, we need to guard our tongue! (James 3:5-6). Scripture often admonishes us to speak less and listen more (James 1:19); to avoid gossip and slander (Proverbs 11:13; 18:8; 20:19); and even to refrain from idle words, for which we will give account at the judgment (Matthew 12:36).

Many who dislike wearing masks (most of us, I imagine!) complain that it is difficult or uncomfortable to speak when wearing them. Might that be a blessing in disguise, by constraining us to choose our words more carefully and avoid sinning in our speech?

The discomfort and inconvenience of wearing masks is a small price to pay if it protects others from sickness and death. It is a reminder that as Christians, we are to put the needs of others before our own preferences (Philippians 2:3-4). Those who choose not to wear them, and to ignore other coronavirus restrictions, may feel that they are willing to risk their own health to enjoy life to its fullest. Yet they may not realize, or worse yet, not care, that they are endangering others.

Similarly, we cannot sin in isolation, for every sin we commit has the potential to directly harm not only ourselves but others, and indirectly harm them by being a stumbling block to their faith (Romans 14:13). No man is an island, as John Donne wrote in the same poem in which he warned, “Ask not for whom the bell tolls – it tolls for thee.”

Sadly, one of the greatest risks for transmitting COVID-19 is within families. Similarly, the contagion of sin easily spreads through a household, with children emulating the sinful habits of their parents. Even adults living together are not immune from the effects of sin in their home. It is far more likely that one who is saved will be brought down to the level of an unsaved companion than vice versa, which is why the Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). The parallel to COVID-19 is that an infected person will not be cured by the company of a well person, but is instead likely to transmit the disease.

Social distancing and avoiding crowds, particularly in high-risk places such as bars, is another recommended strategy to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus. The same applies to reducing the temptation to sin. God’s people are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), in part by maintaining a holy lifestyle (1 Peter 1:15-16) and separating ourselves from the unsaved world (2 Corinthians 6:17). It is painful during the holidays not to show hospitality to our friends and family (1 Peter 4:9), but if we can prevent illness or save lives, we should be willing to do that, motivated by Christian love (John 13:34-35).

Like social distancing, washing hands and cleaning surfaces dates back to Mosaic Law (Leviticus 15:13, 56; Mark 1:44; 7:4-8). Not only was this commanded for physical cleansing, but for spiritual purification, yet it was only a temporary measure for sin, to cover its effects without removing the penalty, similar to animal sacrifices and sprinkling blood on the altar. Not until Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), shed His precious, sinless blood to save us, could those who trust Him be removed from the penalty of sin, which is death (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Ultimately, the above strategies will prayerfully reduce, but not eliminate, the threat of novel coronavirus, and allow us to resist temptation but not to lead a perfect, sinless, life, for only Jesus Christ could do that (Romans 3:23).

But thankfully, the victory is the Lord’s, against illness and against sin! Not only did He heal many and even raise them from the dead (John 11:1-44), but He is risen with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2), and by His stripes we are healed! (Isaiah 53:5). Because we live in a sin-cursed world, not all Christians will be healed in their physical body, but all can look forward in joyous anticipation to our glorified resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:35-58), free of illness, pain, aging, death, and even sin!

Thanks to Christ’s perfect sacrifice and resurrection, He has saved us from the power of sin over our lives, the penalty of sin, and one day in Heaven, from even the presence of sin! May we hold fast to our profession of faith, trusting in His perfect healing and redemption!

© 2020 Laurie Collett

 

 

SARS-CoV-2 Photo by NIAID 2020

Coronavirus – Healthy Church Update

Image of  SARS-CoV-2 by Felipe Esquivel Reed 2020

In the past week, the COVID-19 epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, a newly identified coronavirus, has continued to escalate. How should we as a church respond, and how bad is it now ?

As of March 13, 2020:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, or global epidemic, posing serious health risks. Of 132,758 confirmed cases worldwide, 7,499 were new in the previous 24 hours; of 4,955 deaths, 342 were new. This is roughly a 60% increase in cases and a 77% increase in deaths since my blog post on this topic 2 weeks ago. A Harvard epidemiologist estimates that 40% to 70% of the world population will become infected by late 2020, although most will have mild disease.

Italy, which after China has suffered the worst toll from COVID-19, is under lockdown. Schools and business are closed; gatherings and religious services are canceled; cafes and restaurants shut down after 6PM; and travel even within the country is prohibited except for strict work-related or health-related reasons. Despite these draconian measures, the total number of cases increased from 15,113 to 17,660 in the past 24 hours, and the number of deaths increased by 250 to 1,266.

President Trump has declared a state of emergency in the United States, placing a 30-day ban on most travel to the US from the EU, which WHO has now declared the epicenter of the pandemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,678 US cases (414 new) in 46 states (4 new) and 41 deaths (5 new).

CDC infectious disease director Anthony Fauci has predicted that it will get worse before it gets better; that disruptions to daily life in the US may last up to 8 weeks or more; and has urged anyone over 60 years of age not to get on a cruise ship or long flight.

Army and Air National Guard components have been activated by the governors of Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Washington, and may be joined today by guardsmen in California and Maryland, to support operations to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Guard members are training personnel on COVID-19 response, identifying and preparing National Guard facilities to use for isolation housing, compiling state medical supply inventories, and helping the states with logistical support, disinfection/cleaning, transportation of medical staff, call center support, and meal delivery.

Following suit with several other states, Gov. Ron deSantis has declared a state of emergency for Florida, has discouraged gatherings of more than 250 people, has recommended screening those who attend smaller gatherings, and has prohibited people who are likely to transmit the virus from visiting nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees stated that in older populations, mortality from COVID-19 is 20 to 40 times higher than from flu. The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group has declared a state of emergency.

Cancellations and closings in the US include NFL, NHL and National Baseball League events; cruise travel on Viking, Princess and Disney lines; and many schools, universities, businesses, Broadway theatres, political rallies, and public gatherings or events. In response to the travel ban and travel alerts, airlines have cut back on many flights. The financial repercussions have been global and severe.

Cancellations and temporary closings in Florida, where we live, include all public schools, University of Florida, Florida State, University of Tampa, USF, Disney World, Universal Studios, Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Mahaffey Theater, and Amalie Arena. Some local churches have cancelled in-person services for the coming week, including Idlewild Baptist Church, Mission Hills, and Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran.

How does COVID-19 spread?

SARS-CoV-2 virus is thought to spread mostly from person-to-person, between people who are within about 6 feet from one another, through respiratory droplets released from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. The virus can spread from people who are infected even before they know they are ill and even after they no longer have symptoms.

The virus can survive on surfaces such as wood, metal and plastic for up to several days, but can be killed in 1 minute by applying bleach or alcohol-based disinfectants. Virus particles can be found in stool as well as respiratory secretions from people with COVID-19, and can survive on toilet and bathroom surfaces. Most deaths and severe infections have been in people older than 60 years, especially those with underlying disease such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or cancer.

How can we keep our church safe?

·         Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of commonly handled surfaces, and providing hand sanitizer and soap dispensers, tissues, and paper towels.

·         Social distancing by keeping people 6 feet apart, and not shaking hands, kissing or hugging.

·         Staying home from church, and from going anywhere, if you or someone living with you is ill or has any fever, coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath.

·         Frequent hand washing by staff, workers and congregation, for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before entering church, and after using the toilet, eating, drinking, or touching surfaces.

·         Covering cough or sneeze with a tissue, or the arm if a tissue is unavailable.

·         Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes, especially with unwashed hands.

·         Disposing used tissues and paper towels in covered trashcans with liners and foot pedals.

·         Using single-serve, combined wafer/juice cups for communion, dispensed by elders wearing disposable gloves.

How can we keep ourselves safe? 

·         Follow all the above precautions.

·         Avoid crowds, such as in airplanes, airports, travel terminals, restaurants, superstores, theme parks, large events, or anywhere you are likely to encounter many people in close quarters, particularly when you don’t know their travel or medical history. Older people need to do this to avoid getting sick, and younger people need to do this to help keep older people healthy.

·         Keep informed by following updates on official CDC and WHO websites, and not being misled by fake news.

·         Keep nonperishable food, water and personal care supplies on hand, but don’t panic shop or hoard more than you and your family need.

·         If you get sick, call your doctor for guidance before going in person to avoid spreading the infection to others or catching other infections. Stay home, but if you must go out, wear a face mask to protect others.

What does Scripture say about how to respond to this and other danger?

Remain vigilant to protect ourselves, our church and our global community from weapons of Satan, who wants to devour us like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). The wise and prudent will recognize danger and take appropriate precautions, but the foolish will ignore danger and suffer the consequences (Proverbs 22:3; 27:12). God will give wisdom freely to all who ask Him for it (James 1:5-6).

Remember that Christ is the Great Physician, Who is risen with healing in His wings (Matthew 9:12; Malachi 4:2). His power is absolute and infinite, far exceeding that of Satan; He has placed a hedge of protection around His children (Job 1:10); and nothing “bad” can happen to a believer unless God allows it for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory (Genesis 50:20). No weapon formed against us can prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

Pray for all affected by respiratory infections, and for the epidemic to be contained and reversed, bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Fear not, which is a command that appears in Scripture 365 times, one for each day of the year! God’s perfect love can cast out all our fear, if we let go of our burdens at the foot of His cross and leave them there (1 John 4:16-18). We should not be anxious or panicked about anything, but make our requests known to God in prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). He knows what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). God is not the author of confusion, but of peace that passes all understanding (1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:7).

Remember that Jesus Christ predicted an increase in devastating diseases as the time for His return draws nearer, along with other signs of the times (Matthew 24)., such as wars, rumors of wars, division, Christian persecution, and false teachers, that are rampant today. Although no man knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36; 25:13), we know that each passing day brings us one day closer to the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:52). We have the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of knowing that the afflictions of this world are but temporary and trivial in light of the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Pray that God will use this epidemic to bring others closer to Himself, working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him for His specific purpose (Romans 8:28).

Know what you believe and be prepared to explain the Gospel to others who may ask you why a good God would allow innocent people to suffer (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15). Put on the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:11-18), especially the helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8), knowing that we are saved and have eternal life through our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Pray that our church will continue to grow and thrive. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will, which includes being in church where we can encourage and support one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).until Christ returns and brings us home!

© 2020 Laurie Collett (Laurie Barclay, M.D.)