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"WHAT is the GOOD, PRAISE-WORTHY
and the NOBLE THING WE ARE TO DO
AS THE QUARANTINE MODE be lightened SOON?"
------------RESPONDENT: Pastor Winston Cenidoza------------
What is the good, praise-worthy, and noble thing we are
to do as the quarantine mode be lightened soon?
As the COVID 19 pandemic spreads across the globe, how should we as a Christian respond?
As Christians, I believe there are several specific responses we can choose and should choose to respond to this trial in our world today.
First and foremost, don’t go into panic mode.
In 1 Timothy 2:7 it says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In this time and season if you give in to fear, then you are not of God. Or more specifically, you lack faith in God. And as a Christian it is not the right response to do in this moment of time.
I believe that it is important during this time that we realize that God is still sovereign. He is in control. Nothing that is happening is a surprise to him. Nor is it something that he has not allowed to occur for some reason. A reason that may be known only to Himself.
Whatever circumstance that may happen to others around me or to my family or even to myself, I know God is in control and I can trust Him to accomplish His perfect will whatever may happen in the future.
But that does not mean that I may be at risk to experience hurt or even grief, but as Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” And as a Christian, that is a noble thing to do.
Submit to our government leaders.
It may seem that many people even Christians, go into the pastime of criticizing our government leaders be it in the lowest barangay or the even in the national level. They are crying out that the government is responding slowly or not significant enough to this crisis.
Others are crying that the government is overstepping its proper bounds, claiming more and more power over ordinary citizens. I have heard many Christians on Facebook deploring the government’s ban on churches gathering to worship and refusing to follow that directive.
However, I believe that we should be in submission to our government during this time.
First, because Scripture instructs us to be in submission to them (Romans 13:1), but, just as importantly, because the only known way to keep this virus from spreading is to maintain our distance from each other. When we gather together, we just help it to spread even more and we put more people at risk who are vulnerable to this disease.
Let’s follow the appropriate guidelines, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, put on face mask. Let Christians be an example to others around them.
Stay connected with family, friends and the church.
One of the challenges that many are facing now is being isolated from other people.
If you are on the extreme end of the introvert scale, like I am, this may not be a big deal.
But for most people extended isolation can be very challenging.
During this time, look for opportunities to stay in touch. Nothing can replace face to face contact and human touch, but many of us today live in a very connected world. We can text, chat, email, talk on the phone, make video calls, attend virtual worship services and Bible studies, and more. Of course, not everyone can do all of that, but most of us can do at least some of it. So, take advantage of the available technology. For all we know this may be the “new normal”.
Stay in touch with the other people in our normal circle of family and friends. Make the effort to contact them to see how they are doing and offer encouragement to them. Especially look to those who may be all alone. Reach out to the lonely senior (65 years old and above) members in our church who may live alone. They may be challenging to connect with, but they need our touch too.
Be intentional in our desire to help others.
As always, Christians should be open to opportunities to help those in need, and that is no less true during this time. It will be more challenging to offer assistance with the social distancing and isolation rules in place, but when the opportunity presents itself, do not hesitate to help.
There are many who are especially susceptible to the coronavirus, likely among your neighbors.
It may be that you can do their shopping for them. Or potentially help them with maintaining the exterior of their house and grounds, etc…
Optimize this opportunity to go deeper in faith and spirituality.
We may find it challenging if we are among the many who find ourselves spending more time at home than we are accustomed to. If you are in that position, take advantage of the opportunity to spend more time in personal development. You can read a book. Explore a field that you find interesting. Invest time in your family. There are countless things that you can do with your newly found free time.
Maybe the most important thing you can do is to take advantage of the opportunity to grow spiritually. Christians often express that life is too busy to spend much time in prayer and Bible reading. But, if you are one of those “stuck at home,” this is an ideal opportunity to invest in your spiritual life. Pray. Read the Bible. Pray some more. Meditate on what you are reading. Read a book on spiritual disciplines. Pray some more. Seek the Lord and his will for your life. Above all, don’t let this time go to waste.
Give thanks to God always and rejoice!
There are so much I life to be thankful for. But many cannot see it unless we look for it intentionally. Doubtless, the loss of lives, the inconveniences and the suffering caused by this pandemic Covid-19 is tragic. Before it runs its course, it may likely touched everyone in the world to one extent or another. But as Christians, the good, noble and praise-worhty thing to do is to give thanks and rejoice! Our response does not and should not mirror the fear, panic, unrest, anxiety even despair the rest of the world exhibits.
We have a hope that transcends this world and our circumstances. We can rejoice, not in the tragic events unfolding around us, but in the God who can use them to accomplish his purpose in our lives and in this world.
During this time of darkness, be a light. Let your light so shine that it will glorify God, drawing others to find their hope and fullness in the only one who truly transcends the struggles of this life.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).
I would like to end with this very appropriate verse of scripture:
Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
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