Convergence and Conversations 

By Byron Washington, Columnist

As the world is heading into the fall and questions arise about what to do, there are hundreds of questions and scenarios about schools reopening, jobs, childcare, and teacher and student safety, amongst other things. The writer of James shows us something that we can look at when addressing this and how not attending to an issue can cause a larger problem. 

James 1:14-15 says, “But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.” The text shows us how a temptation grows and expands into a sinful act that reaps a consequence. 

If the initial idea, thought, or desire is dealt with then he or she never arrives at the consequence. For example, a drunk driver gets into his or her car and decides this is a bad idea. He or she exits the car and calls a taxi. The drunk driver does not reap the consequence of a DUI or a car accident and potentially death. 

In our current American panoramic, we are now having to address the merging of multiple issues related to COVID-19. Had these issues been addressed sooner, like March or April, things would look much different now. We can look to Taiwan or New Zealand for how we could have perhaps addressed this issue more effectively. 

That being said, with the convergence of problems, individuals or leaders have to start ranking and categorizing items based on importance. What one person sees as important, another person may not see the same way. This can be challenging on multiple levels.

If schools, businesses, officials, medical professionals, teachers, and parents are not all working together, the end will be problematic. When dealing with a situation such as COVID-19, all parties need to be in on the discussions. For example, if teachers, parents, and school officials talk but exclude business leaders and medical professionals, there will be a disconnect.  

As we look at presidential candidates, this is a time to think about your governor, representatives, mayor, and senators. This is a time to examine how he or she handled this pandemic. This is a time to look at your local school board, superintendent, and city council. Many people overlook local elections and only focus on presidential elections. This pandemic, more than anything else, has emphasized the importance of electing the right officials at all levels of government.

Not attending to a real problem has left much of the nation in a predicament. All things considered, it is time to pray. It is not time to simply pray for our officials but also pray that each of us makes the right decisions for our families. James 1:5 says, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”