I offer this:
“…For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:13-15 [NASB].
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God,” 1 Peter 2:13-16 [KJV].
Yes, we have certain freedoms, liberties, in this country. They are intended to be exercised with consideration for the wellbeing of our fellow citizens and the country. This means that there may be times when we WILLINGLY put the needs of others ahead of our own, even if it means limiting the exercise of a personal freedom.
Sadly, many of those freedoms have been turned into license. License is the exercise of our rights regardless of the effect it has on others - even if it hurts them.
What we are witnessing today among those who call themselves Christians is more accurately classified as license. It is the fixation with MY wants, MY needs, MY RIGHTS regardless of how that might affect others.
The Apostle Paul acknowledged that we do indeed have certain freedoms, liberties. He also acknowledged that we have the right to exercise those liberties free from the judgement of others:
“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved” 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 [NASB].
While this passage refers to spiritual salvation, it is not also possible that limiting my liberties might also lead to their physical salvation? Something to consider.
But at the end of the day, he says we have the obligation to place the needs of others ahead of the exercise of those rights.
Do you have the right not to get vaccinated?
Yes, you do.
Now honestly ask yourself this question: does the exercise of that right help or hurt others?
If you conclude that it even MIGHT hurt others, then consider that the right decision might be to willingly put your rights on hold, to get vaccinated for the good of others.
That is what ultimately led me to get vaccinated.
Even though I honestly don’t believe I am going to catch the bug - I have worked face to face with thousands of customers since the beginning of the pandemic; I have had ample opportunities to become infected - I did it for the wellbeing of my family, my friends, my coworkers, my customers, even if only for their MENTAL wellbeing.
There has been too much emphasis on MY rights, and that has had the effect of driving us further apart as families, communities, and as a nation.
It is time to begin putting the needs of others ahead of our own.
