Meme adapted from Nicholas Miller, JD. Andrews University religious liberty institute

There is no credible evidence whatsoever that controlling this pandemic favor one religion or lack of religion over another. Covid-19 is a health and safety issue and does not violate the principle of the separation of church and state. Please debunk these myths immediately and follow the recommendations from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local county health department.

Having said that, the coronavirus provides unique, diverse, and innovative opportunities to demonstrate that everyone counts, everyone matters both inside and outside of the church through technology, social media, telephone conversations, etc. Quite frankly, it challenges us in how we can effectively and efficiently do ministry and education without bricks and mortar.

Instead of playing on people’s fears and drawing inspiration from Johnathan Edward’s message, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” we can find comfort that “the Lord is not slack concerning His promises” (II Peter 3:9). We don’t serve or worship God out of fear (II Timothy 1:7). However, we do have to make a choice (Joshua 24:15 and I Kings 18:21).

In choosing to serve Christ, there’s no limit to what the power of the Holy Spirit can do through us in times like these if we remember everyone counts, everyone matters.