In the weeks and months ahead we will all move into a new phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The heavy weight of Government restrictions is gradually being lifted. The virus remains with us but thankfully appears to be well suppressed (not least of all by the vaccination programme).
The months ahead will bring more freedom – freedoms we must use and enjoy. The human interaction we have greatly missed (including in the church) is vital for our wellbeing: mentally, physically, and spiritually. We thank God for the ability to meet together on Sundays (and soon in Small Groups) with fewer restrictions.
However, freedom always comes coupled to responsibility. We must continue to love our neighbours well by finding the right balance of boldly enjoying this freedom, whilst carefully considering the wellbeing of others. This is not an easy balance to strike. Please pray for the elders as we continue to navigate this balance in our church family.
The apostle Peter perfectly summarises our approach to this Pandemic when he says;
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
[1 Peter 2:13-16]
In short this means three things…
- We submit to governing authorities as God commands us.
- We use our Freedom to serve God rather than selfish ends.
- We do all things in the hope that our words and our actions will commend and communicate the gospel to others.
We have been glad to let these principles guide our approach over the last 18 months.
An Essential Service
During that time there has been much talk of what constitutes an “essential service”. Food shops and hospitals, of course, spring to mind.
We must, however, include the church in this category too. That’s why our churches never closed – even if sometimes our buildings had to. Now as things are opening up we will all (no doubt) use our freedom for many things but chief among them must be a commitment to church. Our task is an essential one – to hold out the life saving news of Jesus to a dying world.
So as we open up let’s use our freedom wisely. Let’s be mindful of the vulnerable, careful to adhere to regulations, but also bold in playing our full role in the essential service which is the ministry of the church here in Burghead.
With every blessing