Recently, the first COVID-19 vaccinations for frontline workers started rolling out in the United States. Soon to follow will be high-risk individuals, followed by the rest of us who can wait a little longer without as much risk. 

For many people in the country, this is wonderful news! The end of the pandemic and social distancing is in sight. However, there are also several people who refuse to get the vaccine on the basis of wild conspiracy theories or even their faith. Look, we won’t waste much time making a case against conspiracy theories — it’s practically impossible to use logic with people who refuse to let go of wild false realities. 

However, for those of you who are considering refusing a vaccine on the basis of your faith, we urge you to reconsider.

The Bible is not anti-vax

If you have read the Old Testament, you will probably notice there is a lot about cleanliness. This is a common theme for a couple of reasons. First of all, it was considered important to be clean when you approach God in the temple or during a sacrifice. Second of all, cleanliness was literally a means of staying healthy.

This was an ancient group of people who knew the dangers of disease from blood, uncooked food and people with contagious diseases. There are many passages encouraging cleanliness because God wants His people to be healthy and for them to take some responsibility for their health. 

Even in the New Testament, it’s hard to ignore the importance of caring for your body when you look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (MSG):

“Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.”

The body is a temple. You’ve probably heard this before, right? Just as the Israelites revered, cleaned and cared for the temple, those with Jesus in their hearts are supposed to care for themselves as a sacred temple. 

By no means is it wrong to practice cleanliness by using a vaccine to protect your body against harm. This is very much in line with the behavior of God’s people throughout the Bible. 

So, when a vaccine is available for you in your area, please, for the sake of yourself and the sake of those around you, get a vaccine and stay healthy and safe. 

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “To Hell With Normal.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be. 

Do you want to grow in your faith or are simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.