In all the controversy about what is or isn't allowed under the rules for lockdown, there is the risk of losing sight of what it is all about. It is all too typical - we easily get distracted by details from the main point, we miss the wood for the trees, we debate and argue over the fine points of a matter and fall out, forgetting that we actually agree on the main thing! It is not my place to comment here on the circumstances of any controversy about who does what during the lockdown - especially as it starts to get more and more complicated as measures are relaxed... My only point is that we must not forget the big picture: we face a deadly disease and need to make every effort to eradicate it. Inevitably, our interpretations of rules will differ at times and there will be those who evidently - even unashamedly - break rules. That has always been the case. It is human nature. In a society that operates under the rule of law (and without law society breaks down into anarchy), we understand that warnings and sanctions are needed. The same is true in family life, in schools, colleges and the workplace. It is how we are to operate. Where there is wrongdoing, sometimes all it needs is a gentle word to correct it - it might be enough simply to point someone in the right direction. More may be needed though. A warning, not just pointing out the wrongdoing but of its consequences also, may be needed or perhaps even a stern rebuke. And sometimes the matter is so serious that a life may depend upon the rebuke being heeded - whether the wrongdoer's, or someone else's, or both. It seems absolutely clear that failure to heed the instructions regarding the control of COVID-19 leads to harm and loss of life. If it takes a rebuke to correct rule breaking then that could well be a life-giving rebuke.

Our spiritual problem is far deeper, more insidious and infinitely more perilous than COVID-19. The Bible clearly lays out the problem - our sinfulness in the sight of God - and the consequences - death and everlasting punishment from God. It rebukes us. But, if we are prepared to listen carefully and to take its rebuke seriously, it becomes a life-giving rebuke because it paves the way to the answer to our problem in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

"He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31).