Prior to the Coronavirus, non-essential referred to anything not absolutely necessary. Following the mandated March quarantine, government officials in connection with the scientific community established new guidelines. Thanks to the Central for Disease Control, the only businesses that can operate in most states today are essential such as food, gas and those part of the daily supply chain. Anyone who works outside of this realm is either forced to work at home, furloughed or let go, filing for unemployment.
And if your [Israelite] brother has become poor and his hand wavers [from poverty, sickness, or age and he is unable to support himself], then you shall uphold (strengthen, relieve) him, [treating him with the courtesy and consideration that you would] a stranger or a temporary resident with you [without property], so that he may live [along] with you, Leviticus 25:35.
Depending upon which state you reside in, the list of essential businesses vary, especially those run my democratic governors. For example, if you work for an abortion clinic, marijuana shop or store that sells lotto tickets, you can work as several state officials has deemed you essential. However, if you want to attend church, temple or other houses of worship, this is against the rules set my most states. Thus, state officials are playing politics by picking the winners and losers. Hopefully, Americans will remember this in 6 months when the 2020 election rolls around in November.
But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?18 Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity), 1 John 3:17-18.
As for today, what are the non-essentials suppose to do until their state and or work place re-open? The disciple whom Jesus loved provides a good piece of advice. The expression pay it forward was coined by Lily Hardy Hammond within her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight. As family, friends or neighbors get laid off, its time to pay it forward by helping others. Depending upon your resources, time or wealth, you need to reach out to those who can’t help themselves. As the passage above urges, love must be our driving force. May this blog stir your soul to encourage the non-essentials in your spheres of influence until order is restored.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 