Contact tracing is an epidemiological and public health term that has been thrust into the public spotlight because of the COVID pandemic. Simplistically, it is a process by which all of the contacts of an infected person are traced. By identifying these persons, they can be notified of the possibility they have been infected and seek additional testing and possible self-quarantine. It also may provide clues by whom the person may have been infected. While this seems to be a laudable and effective protocol, it is far from perfect. One of the failings is it depends upon individuals disclosing personal and private information to a government agency. In countries with strong centralized governments, such disclosure can be easily mandated. In countries with decentralized governments, individual rights and personal privacy issues can create a roadblock. Even for a noble purpose such as limiting the spread of a COVID infection, some may be unwilling to share this information. In many countries, we are wary of authority. But what if we had no choice but to submit to an omnipotent authority?
Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Genesis 4:8-9 (NKJV)
God is the ultimate authority. Omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He knows everything about us; nothing is hidden from Him. Yet, when we sin, we still think we can hide the truth. Cain attempted to do this when he murdered his brother. It is absurd yet, how often do I do this same action? It’s just a little sin, I rationalize with myself, surely God will overlook this? If I smile and hide my emotions, God will not know that I still resent that person who was rude to me last week. The list is as endless as my sins.
Is it any wonder that contract tracing fails? Even when I know I cannot hide anything from God, I still am wary of His authority, unwilling to surrender the knowledge of all of my actions. How desperately I need my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 