Reading…waiting…watching…uncertainty…fear…glimmers of hope…conversations…precautions…frustration…anger…anxiety…trust…respect…remember…be consistent…rest…look.
Over the last few days, America has taken an interesting turn in its approach to a local virus turned pandemic. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why the public has responded so viscerally, but we can generally surmise that we’re all often guilty of reacting with deep-seated emotions when things are out of our control or when we face uncertainty. Some personalities are better at handling things like a viral pandemic, but most of us are simply not. When things go nuts and get out of our control, we’re often caught up in the hysteria–even if it’s just a little. Be honest…did you buy extra toilet paper in the last couple of days?
What’s the Christian to do in situations like this?
It’s a fair and appropriate question. There are simple answers, but they’re not easy. There are trite answers, but they’re often not helpful.
So, what’s a Christian to do?
- RESPECT
- REMEMBER
- BE CONSISTENT
- REST
- LOOK
RESPECT
- One person may be scared of spiders, and another could be scared of heights. Both fears are valid. Both fears grip the one who is experiencing them.
- The COVID-19 virus may not scare you, but it may others. Thus, the Christian should respect those who are feeling panic over this situation, and choose to comfort and seek to understand them. “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
REMEMBER
- Fear is good to a point. People without some level of fear should make us afraid. The person without fear usually acts without prudence. Fear puts a check in a person’s emotions and causes them to pause. Fear doesn’t mean you don’t have courage.
- Courage is the mastery of fear not the absence of it. You have to learn to teach the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation.
- God hasn’t abandoned His people. He’s there in the fire. He’s there in the storm. He’s there in the midst of your fear. “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:4-5
BE CONSISTENT
- Don’t give up on your daily routines. Don’t panic and stop doing what you normally do. People around you are watching, and they are feeding off your resolve to this situation. Drink your cup of coffee. Have your daily quiet time. Enjoy a good book. Wash your hands. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Stay positive.
- At the same time, you might need to say “no” to fun activities for a week or two where a lot of people are gathering. It’s ok to stay at home and be bored, but stay consistent wherever possible.
- Plants grow best with slow, deep, and consistent watering. The soul is similar. Stay consistent.
- “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
REST
- The theology of rest in the Bible is simple. God gives the ability to work, man is used in the work, and God brings the work to completion.
- Man didn’t create his ability, he received it (brains, personality, aptitude, looks, etc.). As a result, everything (job, pay, vacation time, benefits, etc.) are gifts from God to be employed in a God-honoring and other’s serving kind of way.
- Man participates in the work by investing his God-given abilities. He doesn’t shrink from hard work, nor does he waste his talents. He invests them.
- God ripens the fruit. In other words, it’s God who causes the growth and the success we experience.
- As a result, we can take time off to reflect, remember, and rest. Why? Because God is in control. So, the Christian can rest in God’s omnipotence.
- “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 28:11-30
LOOK
- God has allowed us to be globally connected like never before. It’s probably safe to say that most everyone in the world (with an internet connection) is having or has had a conversation about the COVID-19 virus at least 2x today.
- As a result, we are unified, albeit in a negative way. However, there’s opportunities to redeem this global unity for the gospel. Be on the look out for them… “They say Aslan is on the move…” CS Lewis.
- “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2