Two groups have emerged with the onslaught of COVID-19.

  1. Those who do NOT get out, buy hand sanitizer in 55-gallon drums, and wear a mask even in the shower.
  2. Those who think this silly little illness is blown way out of proportion.

And then there are the mass of Americans somewhere between those two extremes.

Pardon my humor. My attempt at humor is not to make light of those who are taking every precaution. I applaud their willingness to make some sacrifices in order to protect themselves and others. In fact, because I am a Type 1 Diabetic over 60, my wife wishes I would join that group.  (I’m being careful. Really, I am.)

The group that amazes me are those who have thrown caution to the wind.

  • They will not let their vacation plans be hampered—and get mad when some of the places they want to go are closed.
  • Their desire to attend a massive street party does not include the need to wear a mask.
  • Their “need” to protest, riot, and wreak havoc apparently is more effective if they ignore the signs of a pandemic.

Their rationale is varied.

  • This is blown way out of proportion.
  • The vast majority of people get exposed, but nothing really happens.
  • I’m an American and no one is going to take away my freedom.
  • It’s all a hoax (or a conspiracy led by the pharmaceutical companies)

Faithful readers know I have written previously about the need to be kind and exhibit grace to others during this pandemic. And we should be gracious toward those whose opinions and practices regarding COVID-19 differ from ours. At the same time, we can’t ignore some facts.

  1. COVID-19 is a virus and it’s real.
  2. Many people get sick from COVID-19 and some die.
  3. The more cautious we choose to be, the less likely we will get the virus or pass it on to others.

Conclusion: let’s be wise and be safe.

So what does this have to do with sin?

A lot of people have the same attitude toward sin that some have toward COVID-19.

  • Sin is blown way out of proportion.
  • Everybody sins. It’s no big deal.
  • No one is going to take away my freedom to do what I want.
  • There’s no such things as sin. To each his own.

Let me lay out some facts.

  1. Sin is real—and it’s a big deal. Even the “littlest” of sins is costly. It leads to death. Permanent, eternal death.
  2. Sin leads to death—and no one is immune.
  3. The freedom of sin is an illusion.

As of this writing, sin is different from COVID-19 because there is a cure. But it’s costly. It cost God His Son. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, took your sins upon Himself and died in your place. His death on the cross frees you from the pain, penalty, and prison of your sin.

This cure will also cost you. To embrace the freedom of an eternal life in Christ, you will need to give up your sin. Turn from it. Give it all up. That may seem costly to you, but you gain infinitely more when you come to Christ.

Conclusion: Be wise and be safe. Run into the arms of Jesus. Give Him your sin and let Him give you a new life.

Jesus, I admit I’m a sinner. I want to be forgiven and free of my sin, and I acknowledge that only You can do that. I know you died and rose again to take away my sin and give me a new life. I give my life to You, and trust You to be my Savior and Lord. Amen.

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