As I was reading recently I came upon two words or concepts that I think are being overlooked today as we struggle with Covid-19. “Brothers’ keeper,” and “Russian roulette.”
Before I talk about them I need to review some very basic facts that answer the question: what is COVID-19? Remember, as you think about this matter of a pandemic that is life threatening there are too many parts to the discussion to include all of them in such a brief devotion or meditation such as this.
COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to spread from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It may also be spread by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes. … Some people may not have any symptoms but are still able to spread the virus. Most people with COVID-19 recover without needing special treatment. But other people are at higher risk of serious illness. Those at higher risk include older adults and people with serious medical problems, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weak immune system. Serious illness may include life-threatening pneumonia and organ failure. Research is being done to treat COVID-19 and to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2-19. As of today (9-10-2020) there is no preventative vaccine.
(https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/covid-19)
For me my activities are mostly about “buying time.” To reduce the possibility of infection until the development of a vaccine. This is best accomplished by following the guidelines that are designed to reduce contact and spread of the deadly disease.
It would, therefore, seem inappropriate to gather in groups and have group activities that enable an easy spread of the virus. Not only should I follow the guidelines drawn up by the medical professionals but I should try to help and encourage others to curtail such activities that would facilitate the spread of the virus. Is it my responsibility to be concerned about the well-being of my fellow citizens? “Am I my brother’s keeper.”
The answer is “yes.” In John 4 we read; “18 The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us.20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Loneliness draws people together. So do customs, convenience, entertainment, religious activities, traditional education methods, rallies, parties, etc. Even if you become a part of social gatherings it’s like playing Russian Roulette. It will take only one incident to expose, spread, infect you and/or me with the COVID-19 disease. May we exercise wise judgement in all things, but especially in matters of faith. God bless!