“Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV
I had to get some supplies at the store, and with the Corona thing going on, it seemed best to go to one place. Normally I would have taken a route that would lead me to 3 stores, where each product and price played a part in selection and self desire. Some products taste better at one store over another. While in another, the price may be cheaper. Now, those unstated rules have slowly broken down. And WITHOUT any due process!
If you haven’t noticed by now, our society is changing. When Corona virus was first broke out, there was a run to any store to buy whatever… and almost at any price. Once stocked up, self-possession seemed to change to self-preservation. I could almost touch the tension as I approached the store.
Most people were wearing masks. And since watching people is a sport for me, it was interesting to watch people! It was almost like we were all were playing tag…avoiding anyone who might be “IT.” Wide circles were made around each other. Talking was not done. The normal 2 entrances to the large store had been narrowed down to 1.. with a watcher posted. Though the sign claimed ‘health reasons,’ I suspected it was more to keep down theft. Times have changed.
I am conflicted. The Bible says to ‘avoid every form of evil.’ And while there have been lots of questions as to what that REALLY means, MY question is, when did ‘people’ become ‘evil?’ And I’m not talking in the ‘sinful’ sense. It seems to me that as ‘proximity’ has become evil, the REAL victim now is ‘Care!’ True compassion and caring for people SEEMS to be quickly becoming ‘socially unacceptable.’ And THAT label of evil is something God NEVER intended.
As a Christian I wrestle with what, where and how I might be the hands and heart of Jesus. I sense a distancing by people who normally never would separate. And I can’t help but wonder if, in light of the Scriptures and Jesus call, it is just me. Be careful to not become hardhearted my friends. In Jesus Great Commission… you and I are still…’IT!’
