Faith and Prudence Regarding Covid

Faith and science are not antithetical as they both descend from God the Creator of all things. Men often, however, attempt to pit one against the other. Our challenge today in this pandemic is to remove, as much as we can, emotion, subjectivity, politics, and prejudice from our response to this curse that has come upon us. We must find a way, not to lay blame, but find a way, together, to defeat this evil. We must eliminate first of all, the fear that we are doomed and helpless. We are not. The phrase "fear not" occurs 62 times in Scripture from Genesis 1:15 to Revelation 1:17.

Fear is the opposite of faith and so must be absolutely rejected.

Primarily we must place total faith is God, even if we succumb and die from this virus. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." states Job in Job 13:15 and,

"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain," so says Paul in Philippians 1:21.

As Christians, our hope is in Heaven and death must be seen as a glorious beginning and not a tragic end. Our lives have times and boundaries established by God Himself so we need not worry about catching God off guard and die prematurely...according to HIS timetable...in order that men may seek God and find Him. [Acts 17:26 - 28] In addition, we have the best instruction as to having a long life by "honoring our father and mother, the first commandment with a promise." [Ephesians 6:2] As stewards of God, we also must protect God's assets that He has entrusted to our care while on this earth.

Prudence is a characteristic of a faithful steward.

As to maintaining the stewardship the measure of good health that God graciously has give us, we must be prudent in proactively dealing with the current virus. Here is a list of a few things one can do:

1. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5
2. Maintain a close relationship with your Primary Care Physician. Engage in a detailed on-going conversation with your PCP regarding your health, your age, your physical condition, your limitations, etc. regarding Covid.

Discuss all of the following with your PCP before implementing any of them

3. Get plenty of daily exercise as suggested by your PCP. Fresh outdoor air "may" be as effective as a mask in protecting one against Covid. Avoid confined and stuffy indoor spaces, seek out indoor spaces that have as much open air flow as possible.

4. Get at least 20 minutes a day of direct sunlight, especially in winter, as suggested by your PCP. Direct sunlight is the best natural source of Vitamin D, perhaps a key factor in building immunity against Covid and other illnesses.

5. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of ELDERBERRY SYRUP, which may be a tremendous source of natural anti oxidants.

6. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of Vitamin D which may help build immunity. Much preferred is in powder capsulated form, cold processed, and organically produced.

7. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of Vitamin C which may help build immunity. (Powdered, cold pressed, organic)

8. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of Vitamin E which may help build immunity. (Powdered, cold pressed, organic)

9. Under direction of your PCP, consume a banana and an apple each day which may help build immunity.

10. Under direction of your PCP, increase consumption of more fruits and vegetables of all kinds which may help build immunity.

11. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of Zinc, perhaps a key factor in building immunity against Covid and other diseases.

12. Under direction of your PCP, take a daily dose of Quercetin which may provide a vehicle for one's body to absorb Zinc. (Tonic Water also contains Quinine, a form of Quercetin)

13. NEVER MAKE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTH CARE REGIMEN WITHOUT A FULL CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN!

14. Under direction of your PCP, wear an indoor mask in public spaces if you are physically able. (Many say that masks are not effective enough as to be of any use. However, even if your mask is only 10% effective, one reduces exposure by 10%, nothing to sneeze at!)

15. Under direction of your PCP, strongly consider available vaccinations against Covid provided by Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer which may help build immunity.

16. Under direction of your PCP, maintain at least 6' distance between you and other individuals which may protect your immunity.

In conclusion, let's all be both FAITHFUL and PRUDENT, casting aside our fear! Consult with God first, and your PCP second! May God bless YOU with continuing good health as you serve both God and others.