We are in the midst of a global pandemic, which has taken the lives of thousands. Yet, we have churches big and small that refuse to close or abide by federal, state or local ordinances. Some would argue religious persecution,
but this is not an First Amendment rights issue. If the church was the only entity asked to close, then there should be resistance. However, there is no scriptural footing to defy the government in this situation. The Bible states, "Whoever therefore resists the power [authority or government], resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist will receive to themselves damnation." (Romans 13:2)
If you attend church and get sick by contracting the virus, who will you blame? Would God be at fault, the pastor, the government or how about the devil? Absolutely not, you would only have yourself to blame. We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by leaders and most importantly we must hold ourselves accountable for our own actions. Remember the words of Christ, "... be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves." (St. Matthew 10:16)
This a time for the church to pray, to share and to be a light [example] to the world. We are called to be the voice of reason, not confusion. The church is meant to be on the forefront not simply praying, but doing whatever it can. The media should be full of examples of the church and Christians giving financially, pitching in doing whatever needs to be done in our communities and in our world. The world is hurting, lets get busy.