Salvation is as much a private issue as it is a public/social issue. Public issues and social problems require responsible responses from Christians.
I was horrified when I came upon the post on Facebook from on the page of a missionary in Africa.
Encouraging people to shout out about finding Jesus, while decrying the promotion of the anti-Covid-19 vaccine, is in my view, irresponsible evangelism.
The missionary in question ought to be careful how she has combined the truths that are in her post.
Yes, there are some medical issues that are private. A personal illness that does not threaten the health of other people is a private medical issue. HOWEVER,
- Taking the Covid-19 vaccine is not a private medical issue. The vaccine is a public health measure that is the best safeguard against the spread of the corona virus. Taking the vaccine is an act of love, for yourself and for the greater good of the community.
Yes, the vaccine is not a guarantee against Covid. No vaccine is 100% effective. HOWEVER,
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 is significantly lower for vaccinated people.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Yes, Christians are commissioned to shout out about finding Jesus. Salvation does guarantee eternal life. HOWEVER,
- Eternal life is not a goal we strive towards, nor should it be the sole motive for wanting salvation. God has placed us in this world to live purposefully. The message of salvation must come with instructions on how to live in the world.
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible
As Paul teaches in his letter to the church at Corinth, the greater good of society is more important than the individual Christian’s freedom of choice and personal preferences.
Only be careful that this liberty of yours [this power to choose] does not somehow become a stumbling block [that is, a temptation to sin] to the weak [in conscience] … And when you sin against the brothers and sisters in this way and wound their weak conscience [by confusing them], you sin against Christ.
1 Corinthians 8: 9 & 12 Amplified Bible
At the core of Jesus’ teachings about love, is the golden rule. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus challenges His listeners to consider how their actions affect other people.
Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will [instead] give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake? “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.
Matthew 7:9-10 & 12 Amplified Bible
All of the world’s major faith traditions adhere to the golden rule. In fact, the golden rule is a widely accepted ethical standard in law and in secular principles.
The golden rule is a guiding principle that protects the well-being of the individual and the collective well-being of all.
Think about these things. Evangelise responsibly.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. That’s why glory matters.
Glory Matters 