April 14th, 2020

Good day to all
I have to confess, that as much as I try to avoid much of the news coming out recently, because it is getting very repetitious, there are stories that draw my attention. I have read a couple of articles on social shaming in the context of outing those who are not playing by the social distancing rules many of us are trying to follow. Some of the actions have gone as far as posting names, descriptions, and/or location where infraction was witnessed.  Before continuing, let me make clear that I am not condoning flouting the social distance rules, only a trend I have noticed emerging.

The trend is folks becoming "social-distance police". There are different coping mechanisms that humans will develop in order to cope with uninvited change, upheaval in our daily lives, or as a means of venting our frustrations. One of those mechanisms, for some, has become monitoring the behavior of others to make sure they are following the rules we feel they should be following.

As I thought on this trend, the scripture that came to mind is found in Matthew 7:3-5[Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log our of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.]  The text, and the trend, reminded me of the words of a brother who wrote "we have little tolerance fors those that sin differently than we do." (or words to that affect) 

My thoughts and where I am going with this is not to endorse flaunting some social etiquette that provides a level of comfort to others but to remind us that it is an easy thing to focus on the shortcoming of others rather than remember that our growth in Christ is something we must maintain as a priority in our lives. Outward circumstances do not alter inward reflection, self spiritual growth, or  personal accountability before the Lord for our actions. 

As we continue in this socially historic episode of our lives, let us not lose focus that the call to be HIs disciples and all that such a call encompasses remains unchanged. 
Have a blessed Day
Vic