"Testing Positive"

Jolene and I are self-quarantined this week. We both spent some time last week with people who have now tested positive for COVID. Neither she nor I have any symptoms of the virus, thank the Lord; we are isolating from others (and trying to keep our distance from each other) merely as a precaution.

But all of this has made me ponder the subject of 'testing positive.'

As of this week, according to Johns Hopkins University, more than 10 million people in the U.S. have tested positive for the virus. So it's not surprising that most of us have had someone we know very well who has announced, "I tested positive!" Although they could have been referring to a possible cancer--or even a pregnancy--they were most likely talking about the rampant coronavirus. I grieve deeply with all who've suffered losses, and with friends and loved ones having to deal with the discomforts and disruptions of this disease.

But I want to leave that dreaded virus talk for a minute, and move to something much more upbeat and inspiring: 'testing positive' as Christ followers.

Do you know the hymn, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"? It's been around since the 60's and is still a favorite of mine. Written by a Catholic priest, Peter Scholtes, it is based on a quote from the early days of the Christian faith. Tertullian (160-220 A.D) in one of his writings imagined the Roman world pagans looking at Christians and saying, "Behold, how they love one another...and how ready they are to die for each other!"

The song originates of course, primarily in Scripture: Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We could paraphrase that verse--and sing that song--like this: "You'll test positive for being My disciples--yes, you'll test positive for being Christians--by your love for each other."

I remember a question that startled me years ago, and still makes me think: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" To put it another way, "If you were TESTED for being a Christ follower, would you have enough love to be declared POSITIVE?" Do we 'test positive' by those who know us best? Our husbands or wives, for example? Our children? Our parents? What about our co-workers, neighbors, classmates... bosses...employees?

If you know the song, let's sing it together: "We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. And we pray that our unity will one day be restored. And they'll know that we are Christians by our love, by our love; Yes, they'll know we are Christians BY OUR LOVE!"

In these days of unmitigated hatred and unprecedented division, may we believers be tested and be found positive...of unconditional LOVE and undisputed UNITY.

P.S. If we do test positive, is our condition contagious? Years ago I heard a deep-South preacher ask three burning questions: 1) "Have you got religion?" 2) "Is it the catchin' kind?" 3) "Anybody caught it from you lately?"