Social Distancing In Our Communities

The year 2020 and the spread of a pandemic is causing us to respond in one of two ways. We either go into protective mode and panic at the thought of our lives changing forever or we think the world is totally over reacting with all of the silliness. I’ll admit, at first, I thought we were over reacting. Thinking that God’s in control and everything will be okay. But I’ve seen the toll COVID-19 has already taken on the world. I’m not going to quote numbers here because that will have changed by the time I’m able to post this.

This is the Church’s finest hour. It’s time for us as a global body of Christ to stand up and share the hope that we have with the world. God is still in control. That doesn’t mean that if you’re a Christian you won’t get the virus. We aren’t immune as some people might think. Good Christians may die if they are infected with the virus and their immune system is already weakened. It has nothing to do with being Christian or pagan, rich or poor, or what color of skin you have. It’s an equal opportunity virus.

So what can we do as Christians that will help those who are scared of the pandemic we face? Love on them. Not in a physical way, remember social distancing, but by checking on people in your community that may need help. Just call to check on them and see if they need anything from the store or maybe some medications picked up from the pharmacy. Share with others the reason you have hope in the future. They may need to know about the faith you have in God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Maybe they haven’t heard about Jesus and the burden he took to the cross to pay for their sins. Everyone needs to hear about the gift. All they have to do is accept it, repent of their sins and be baptized. Yes, it does require a change in lifestyle. But, I promise, it’ll be worth it and they’ll be able to go through life helping others instead of worrying about the what ifs.

I can’t imagine thinking that this is all there is to life. That when death comes knocking at the door, its just lights out and nothing else. I think it’s much more than that. A lifetime spent in heaven with our creator or an eternity spent in a hot and treacherous period that will go on and on with no end in sight. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God or not. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:10-11 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It also says in Romans 14:11 “It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.'”

So while I believe that God is in control, I also think it to be responsible to take action that will protect us and those we love from the spread of this virus. So wash your hands often, keep your distance, if you’re sick- stay home, and if you feel healthy, stay that way by limiting your possible exposure.

It is my hope that we can rise to meet the needs of God’s people. Let’s be His hands and feet and carry His message of grace to those who haven’t heard it. If not today, then when?

In Faith,

Pam