Choose Wisely
“We have all been experiencing the stress and anxiety that this COVID-19 Pandemic has caused for our communities and church. Pine Valley United Methodist Church is not invincible nor immune to this virus. We understand how our church groups of all areas of ministry want to utilize the church facilities to meet, but it is in the best interest of our church members and our community to remain cautious and limit the use of the facilities for activities for general meetings and gatherings except for pre-planned use for WORSHIP and WORSHIP PREPARATIONS. These worship activities have staff assigned to ensure safety precautions are taken with sanitizing of surfaces in contact before, during, and after these Worship activities. It has remained PVUMC's goal to wait for NC Phase III plan to allow larger gatherings and/or the steady decline in the number of positive COVID tests that have been documented….Thank you for your gracious understanding and cooperation with our decision for safety reasons. We will let the church groups know when this limitation has been lifted.” Trustee Chair, Jay Taylor
I asked to share this because I think of the heavy weight on Pastor Tim and Mark’s shoulders regarding our “getting back to church.” Various internet sources estimate that an adult makes about 35,000 conscious decisions every day. That is a lot of decision making! There are the things we don't give much thought to like that it is time to get out of bed, we are going to brush our teeth, we are going to shower, we are going to work or school, we are going to eat, we are going to feed our pets, we are going to go to bed, etc. Then there are the bigger decisions like our career, school, picking a mate, purchases, investments, friendships, worship, etc. And for PVUMC, the one that we are all asking. When can we gather together for worship? What does the Bible tell us about decisions? Choose wisely, which is what PVUMC is trying to do.
Our choices have consequences, so when we choose wisely, our circumstances tend to be more positive and healthier. Proverbs 13:20, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." At times I find myself trying to discern whether my choices are coming from my voice or God. I can always differentiate when I go to Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." When I follow God's lead, my choices bring positive circumstances. Every time! In every aspect of my life. The more we do this, the more we learn what is right and good. Job 34:4, "Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good."
Even in our thoughts, we have choices to make. We can choose to think negatively or positively. We can choose to be positive and have joy, placing our hope and faith in God for our future. During these uncertain times in our world, I think we all need to choose joy and place our faith in God! Romans 8:5-6, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." When we live according to the flesh we have lost focus on God, and we will not experience peace or joy. When we are focused on God, we will have peace and joy. I think of the negative news that is on television and social media constantly and how it can bring me down so fast. I have to choose not to spend my time in negativity. I choose to surround myself by people who are a good influence on me when I need encouragement.
God tells us to ask Him which path is right. Jeremiah 6:16, "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" When you find yourselves standing at the crossroads, choose wisely! Join me in praying for the discernment of our leaders to know God’s plan for PVUMC!