As we progress through this lockdown and as we look to come out of it, there are going to be many concerns and questions about how this takes place with regards to restrictions, vaccine passports, etc etc.

Inevitably we will all have different views and opinions as a church body ,and therefore, we need charity and grace for one another as we think about and talk about these issues (see this article that I have already shared by Ray Galea - (https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/vaccine-wars-and-the-church-of-god/).

But may I also encourage you in two ways.

1) Pray for our leaders, Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1-7

“1   First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Let us be a praying people! Note what Paul commands: prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings! Let us pray for our leaders and thank God for them.

2) To participate respectfully in the democratic process.

A gift God has given us is a democratic system. Each of us has the opportunity to raise our voice, express concerns, and ask questions of our leaders. Rather than merely complaining in private. If you have a concern, raise it with your local or federal members via their “Contact” page.

I have sent many emails to various leaders asking questions, seeking clarification, or advocating for various positions.

So friends, pray and participate, and let us do it with a joyful surrender to God’s Sovereign Rule over all things!