COVID in Costa Rica

Recently in my devotions I came across 1 Timothy 2:1&2. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” What caught my attention is that I am to pray for my governmental leaders, not complain about them or criticize them. This is counsel I need to heed, and I suspect others need this too!

Unlike many places in the USA which have relaxed COVID restrictions, Costa Rica still has significant measures in place. For example, masks are required to enter any store and public venue, even church services.  Most establishments require that you wash your hands before entering and many places still take your temperature.

There are also vehicle restrictions designed to keep people at home. I’m writing this blog on a Thursday. Because of my license plate number, I cannot drive on Thursdays. If I go out, I need to call an Uber. In addition, there is a 10:00 PM-5:00 AM curfew designed to slow down party-goers, which, hopefully, slows down the spread of the disease.

As a Christian who submits (on my best days) to God’s Word and his authority, I am to obey these restrictions whether I agree with them or not. Scripture does not authorize me to criticize the rules which are established or play “armchair quarterback” as if I know more than those in authority. God’s Word is quite clear: I am to pray for those in the government and, according to Romans 13:1, I am to submit to their authority. (The only exception is if I’m told to do something morally wrong, like the midwives who would not kill the newborn Jewish baby boys.)

One of the tragic consequences, I think, of the COVID debacle has been the ascendence of what I will call “Christian rights.” More times than I can count, I have heard Christ followers say things like, “I won’t allow my rights to be trampled on.” Or, “this is not fair, I have a right to make my own choice.” Or, “no one has a right to tell me what I can do.”

I beg to differ. As German theologian and Christian martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” The moment we submit our lives to Christ, we cease to have personal rights. We are his possession. Every part of us. I am happiest when I remember that and put it into practice. Daily.

Jesus repeated many times his rule of life. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35) Every time I claim my rights, I not only lose my joy and peace, I also no longer walk in the way of Jesus. But every time I give up “my rights” in Jesus’ name and for his gospel, I find the best possible life this side of heaven.

Now, I need to call an Uber so I can run an errand.