God's Beloved NON-ESSENTIAL Church
God’s Beloved Non-Essential Church
I agree with the recent Supreme Court ruling. I disagree with the church and synagogue that demanded to be regarded as an “essential service”. There is a clear biblical distinction between what is institutional and what is spiritual. And there is a clear distinction between law and spirit.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah makes it clear that what is essential is the Covenant, and what is non-essential is the temple. The Lord does not ultimately honor all the burnt offerings if God’s people are not doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Institutions come and go, but the Covenant is forever. And if people wander from the Covenant, no religious institution can defend them. Micah loved the temple. He loved his relationship with God more.
In the New Testament, James and Paul make it clear that what is essential is the Gospel, and what is non-essential is the church.
The wisdom from above is first pure; then peaceable and gentle, willing to yield; full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. The harvest of righteousness sis sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such there is no law. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-25
What is essential is that we should love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and also love our neighbor as ourselves. What is non-essential is the church. Christ does not ultimately honor our church attendance, nor does Christ really care whether the church is guaranteed the political freedom to assemble. Christ honors those who live in his Spirit and are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to care for the least of his brothers and sisters.
There is a difference between what is lawful and what is right. It may be lawful to assemble in-person during a pandemic that threatens the life of every citizen regardless of age, income, or race. But it is not right to assemble in person simply because we are entitled to do it, and thereby risk the health (and indeed the very lives) of the elderly, poor, vulnerable, or people of color. Christians can do it, but they shouldn’t do it. More than this, Christians should know better!
Both James and Paul loved the church, but they knew that even the church is dispensable for the sake of the Gospel. A profound relationship with God, and the possibility of divine grace, does not require the institutional church. Yes, the church can help. But it is not essential. To elevate the church to and essential service is a form of idolatry.
God knows our hypocrisy. But perhaps it is even more poignant to say that the public sees our hypocrisy. This is especially true for younger generations and seekers of truth in all generations. Who demands the right to assemble? Primarily aging baby boomers and seniors who need to be physically together. Who does not demand the right to assemble? Younger generations who have discovered they can find intimacy without sitting in the same room.
There is a price that the church will pay for placing privilege before Covenant and Gospel. Disrespect for, and alienation from the church will accelerate exponentially in post-pandemic times. God will choose other ways and other means through which God can bless the people. God loves the church. But make no mistake – God does not need the church.