Church, there are many things that can divide us. The fault lines of division are seemingly growing deeper and wider, at least in my neck of the woods. There are lines being drawn in the sand in every direction.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that one of the issues dividing citizens of the world, Americans and Christians is the issue of what to do about the COVID-19 vaccines. Some of you believe we should definitely take the vaccine and some think we should definitely not. To some, the vaccine is a life-saving shot and to others, it is a potentially deadly jab.
I see many seeking to divide us further and I, to my delight, see others trying to unite us. I've seen many uniters say something to the effect of, "There's no wrong answer. Just do what's right for you and your family."
I think that's dumb.
There most certainly is a right answer. Some of you may be offended by that statement, but you know you believe there are right answers to the vaccination question. Unity within the Church of Jesus Christ is highly important (see John chapter 17) but relativism is a stupid answer to an important goal.
We can't let relativism be the basis of our peace.
G. K. Chesterton has said, "Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as the opening of the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid." Relativism about the best ice cream flavor is okay. Relativism about important topics in the midst of a pandemic is an unreasonable expectation that few would or should impose upon themself. So, relativism can't be our basis for unity and peace in the Church.
Let me put the mirror in front of myself. I am thoroughly convinced that the COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective. In my job I have been afforded the opportunity to speak directly to my county's health department administrator, several medical doctors, physicians and researchers from the American College of Public Health and more experts in the field. I have listened to those working in the emergency departments that are swamped with sadness. I have seen the stats on who's being ventilated and who is dying from COVID-19 and it's mostly unvaccinated people.
I am convinced by what I have seen, heard, read and experienced first hand with my own vaccination. I believe that these vaccines are a great good for society. I firmly believe that if your doctor says you can and should be vaccinated that you should get vaccinated for the good of you and your neighbor.
Let's keep the mirror in front of my own face.
Can I be thoroughly convinced that I am right and that you are wrong and still be kind? Can I be more unified with the person at my local church who disagrees with me about this important topic than I am with a stranger that is in the choir I was preaching to above?
Again, G. K. Chesterton once said, "A bigot is not the one who thinks he is right. Every sane man or woman thinks they're right. The bigot is the one who cannot understand how the other person came to be wrong."
Do I ever give effort to trying to understand the arguments of the other side? Or do I assume they're a selfish idiot that wants to infect everyone they meet? Did you skip over my brief explanation of why I believe I am right?
The Body of Christ can't be splintered but relativistic thinking isn't the ligament that holds the members together.
Then what is?
Jesus Christ, the head, is what holds it all together. In Jesus' own group of 12 men there was reason for great division. Think about Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector. One man worked for the Roman government while the other was part of a group bent on overthrowing the Romans. What brought those two men with diametrically opposite views together? Jesus.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit... just as you were called to one hope when you were called... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:2-6
I think some of you reading this are right when it comes to your understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine and I firmly believe some of you reading this are wrong. My unity and peace with you won't come from pretending I don't think that way. Rather, I'm going to value my Lord and Savior and His wishes for unity above all. I'm going to remember that there is much more that unites me to you than divides us in Christ. Frankly, I'm going to follow many of the proverbs and shut up when I want to argue with you. I'm going to try hard not to be as snarky and sarcastic as I can be (I'm really good at sarcasm) and I'm simply going to bear with you some times.
Church, let's not spend our time "quarreling about words" (2 Timothy 2:14), even though topics like this are important. Let's remember that hands need feet, that eyes and ears have to work together. We are the Body of Christ and we need to start acting like it.
Read up. Listen to experts. Talk with your actual doctor. Come to an informed decision. Have a strong point of view. Think you're right. But don't let us dare throw away the unity Jesus prayed for right before He was arrested to be crucified in part to bring us together.
Exercise our unity in Christ today.
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