Social Distancing

 “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:16–17 ESV)

Christianity is, in large part, communal. Therefore, it has a social aspect to it. It is not primarily social, but it certainly is not primarily individualistic. The “love your brother/neighbor” commands help to establish this fact, as well as the many “one-another’s” of the New Testament. And so, in an environment where government officials are advising “social distancing,” we have to think about how to be good citizens while at the same time acting Christianly.

As we would expect, public statements advising “social distancing” have to do with the material and physical. There is a new virus afoot, and they are concerned to slow its spread (see the graphic above) so that the health care system can keep up with needs. As Christians, we also have concern for material and physical needs, but in addition, we place a priority on spiritual needs. 

Out of love for others, we do not want to spread COVID-19 to others. We limit social circulation, and we are especially wary of spreading to the elderly who may be susceptible to more severe cases if they contract the virus. This seems backwards. Normally, as we love others, we move out in order to engage. In this case, out of love, we stay home, we practice social distancing, - but, as Christians, we can still engage.

Christians can pray. We can pray for others. We can pray for the elderly. And it is not, “if you can’t do anything else, pray.” We should always pray, and pray first, often followed by action. Perhaps in this situation we might learn something about the priority of prayer in all cases, whether or not we are able to act.

And Christians can use their phones. Oh, I know, non-believers can use their phones as well. But what if, during this time, we took opportunity to visit via phone with people that we will not currently visit in person. Can I say that I am speaking now of a conversation, and texting is not a conversation? I’m talking about a real phone call, when you converse with someone, and listen, and think, and respond, with your voice. This is not only good pastoral care; it is also good Christian care.

And if you are healthy, check out who in your neighborhood needs supplies that you might be able to pick up. What single parent doesn’t have someone to look in on their kids home from school? And come to church. But only if you’re healthy.