Using Coronavirus Isolation for Good
When I last wrote, there was no coronavirus issue in the US. In one month, it’s a radically different landscape. In the picture above, Kal and I are working on her schoolwork. I cannot say I like the social isolation, but I can definitely see how it can be used by God. I stole this from a Facebook group I’m in. It’s written by Brad Harrub. I edited it a bit.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is poised to do some things to Christians that years of articles, sermons, blogs, and podcasts have failed to do. As a result of the virus, and resulting quarantine, we may find ourselves forced to:
1. Spend more time together as families at home and stop running the rat race.
2. Focus on our older generation and making sure they are well cared for during this time.
3. It may very well cause us to close our buildings on Sunday mornings forcing us to learn how to worship at home. (And may help us reevaluate pouring all of our resources into buildings and grounds rather than evangelism and missions.)
4. Pray more fervently.
5. We may find ourselves craving Christian fellowship and not taking it for granted.
6. Focus our minds on what is truly important in this life.
7. With more time on their hands and fewer "events" to go to, people may open their Bibles or religious books — relying less on the 30 minute sermon to be their only spiritual nourishment.
8. We might find ourselves calling and checking on members more often--treating each other like a true Christian family.
9. Not let things like March Madness become a form of idolatry in our lives.
10. Christians might discover ways to truly be a light in their community as people start needing things and needing care.
11. We might be more willing to talk about Jesus and eternity.
Yes, there are negative things about a Pandemic. But for the Christian, things like this just remind us that this world is not our home! Maybe...just maybe, this whole thing will draw more people closer to God. #Godisgood
So my admonition to you is to ponder what ways this historic time can be good. If anyone has specific ideas, post them on the blog or email us. I especially want to encourage you to call your grandparents and/or ask elderly people living near you if you can deliver any groceries or run any errands for them. Many do not know how to use things like Instacart. And if any of you sing or play an instrument or make funny videos, send those to your grandparents/parents or nieces/nephews. They really enjoy stuff from you and their usual entertainments are gone.
