Rev. Matthew Kail

As we seek to suitably respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we begin by mourning with all who have lost loved ones to this dreadful pathogen. We pray for anyone battling the disease in their own bodies, and for those on the frontlines as emergency responders and medical personnel.

This time of social distancing gives us a pause in which to reflect on the things that truly matter. Where some of us turned to sports for a respite from bad news, in this current crisis most sporting events have been cancelled or postponed.

For now, we must look elsewhere for solace.

Sadly, political discourse today is reduced to the level of sport, as each “team” strives to expose the flaws of the other side in order to score points with the electorate. Our 'United' States have become increasingly polarized.

Our current crisis reveals that neither side is fully correct.

Since every human being is flawed, there will never be a perfect leader in the world in its present state. Our president is blessed to have wise counsel by his side. We should all pray for him to be receptive to the wisdom and insight they are able to provide.

In the wake of the anxiety caused by unprecedented unemployment claims, we celebrate bipartisan legislation that grants resources to help individuals and companies weather the storm.

But, not even the most coordinated federal response could have met the staggering need for hospital equipment across our nation. Fortunately, businesses, large and small, along with local hospitals and municipalities have stepped up to the plate, to try their best to fill the void.

Just as metal is tested by fire, our national character is being tested.

By the grace of God, we have been witnessing a demonstration that a large swath of our nation still understands the undying truth that no man is an island — we are all in this together. As President Abraham Lincoln said, (echoing the words of Jesus of Nazareth) — “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

I pray that we all recognize that there are things more important than politics — or sports.

In these trying times, may people of faith invest in those things that bind families, communities, and our nation together, rather than in those things that keep tearing our social fabric apart.

And let us also invest our lives and our hearts in service unto our Creator, as we look forward to our heavenly rest — in a realm where there are no shortages, nor disease, nor enmity. While we abide in this world, let each of us — and all of us — allow our God to shape and mold us for His purposes. Let us rely on Him, to the glory of His Name —for He alone is worthy, and able.

The Rev. Matthew Kail is pastor of Muddy Creek and Unionville Evangelical Presbyterian Churches.