An Appropriate Response

 Hi there!

As the pandemic restrictions are indefinite and continue to impact the assembly of the Church, I have been thinking in greater depth on what is an appropriate response for followers of Jesus. As a Pastor, it likely would not surprise you to know that I always endeavor to defer to God's wisdom and instruction found within the scriptures. So, I look to the written Word of God.

In the opening of his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear that the intention for his instructions is "to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness". It is with this profound sense of commitment that Paul establishes the foundation upon which all of the letter he writes to Titus is built upon. It is this assurance that necessitates a trust in the wisdom and guidance that is found here.

Paul writes repeatedly about the concept of "Good". Nearly every portion of his letter addresses this. After his opening, he speaks to Titus about ensuring that any Elder appointed to oversee the Church are men who love what is good. He follows those instructions with an encouragement to rebuke any and all who would fail to do good. Paul opens chapter two with an appeal for doing good for the sake of the Gospel. And, interestingly but not surprisingly, Paul settles the entirety of his letter on the reminder that salvation is about (not exclusively, mind you) doing good. And this is where I find the wisdom and guidance that I have been searching for.

Paul reminds the people to "be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." I note here that no where does Paul encourage anyone to disregard this instruction if it does not appeal to their better sense. He does not leave open the option of doing the opposite. In fact, the understanding is that to follow these instructions is to do good, which of course follows the theme he set early on. Paul continues by describing a time when he (and nameless others) were "foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved" and this offers you and I a profound point of contrast for our own behaviors.

Similarly, Paul ends the core of his letter with a warning against being misled by the popular cultural endeavors of the day. He admonishes the activities of participating in "controversies and genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the law" as these activities are damaging to our faith in Jesus as well as to our witness as to the reason for our hope. Do these activities, in one form or another, sound familiar? They should. They are representative of the culture we live in today. And, we are not immune to being led astray in our faith by these un-Godly behaviors.  And, in his final greeting to Titus, Paul asserts that the people of the assembly "must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives."

What is the appropriate response then in regards to the restrictions placed on the assembly of the Church? 

The current health regulations restrict the assembly of the Church. Is this the ideal situation for our particular assembly? Absolutely not. However, we are called to submit to governing authorities and this is what we are doing. I understand the importance of community and I will always endeavor to honor and respect that. In order to protect one another and to do good, it is the best course of action for our assembly at this time. This is why I humbly accept the direction of the health authorities of British Columbia. 

Further, these health measures do not restrict the belief in or sharing of the Good News of Jesus the Christ. We have been, we are, and we will continue to be free to proclaim the truth of God. And that is Good News! 

The only question that remains is will we?

Thank you for reading. I hope you have been refreshed and encouraged. As always, please leave your thoughts and/or questions in the comment section.

Cheers,

Patrick