Freedom!!

Well, it’s been a while, but the announcement that 19 July (dubbed ‘Freedom Day’) marking the end of legal restrictions has provoked me to put the proverbial pen to paper. Amongst church leaders the words of the apostle Paul addressed to the church in Corinth have generated discussion. Here they are in a couple of translations:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV)

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbour. (ESV)

This morning I had a brief conversation with someone who works in a smallish supermarket, where social distancing has been problematic at the best of times. She was really upset that mask wearing would no longer be required by law, fearing that that would place her at greater risk. She has had to endure the abusive comments from those who came into the store without a mask and now, without the protection of the law, she felt that she, and those like her, were being disregarded. I felt for her, and completely understood where she was coming from.

Freedom, in the apostle Paul’s understanding of the term, is not freedom to throw off all restraint and do what one likes. It is freedom to do what is best for others. It is freedom to be considerate. It is not the freedom to be selfish.

So what does that look like for church congregational life? I think you can see why these verses of Paul have been sparking conversations between church leaders. Is a hand-shake now permissible? I guess so. But not everyone will want to, so don’t be offended if they decline. Is giving a hug now allowed? I suppose so, but I will continue to be choosy. Will singing be allowed? Yes, and I want to sing, but what if others then stay away from church? (And not, I hasten to add, because my singing is awful!!) And what about refreshments? And what about … etc. etc.?

Spare then, a thought and a prayer for those of us having to give a lead navigating the way forward after ‘freedom’ day.

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And this made me chuckle … (but I didn’t get it at first)

Magician: I can make anything disappear.
Tom: (Holding cup), okay, make my tea disappear
Magician: Shazam!
om: Nothing happened?