19 Pastoral Thoughts On COVID-19
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15).
When frowning providences happen, our bruised egos cause us to grumble and argue with others. We feel as if life is unfair and we are full of complaints. The ugly side of our nature comes to the fore as we express ourselves with venom in the presence of other people.
It is in circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that religion that is only skin deep comes unstuck. There is no difference in response between the false believer or backslider and a rank atheist. Blame is generously apportioned to all except the person complaining.
The grumbling is along similar lines: China did it deliberately. The government is too slow in responding. Neighbours are careless. Doctors and nurses do not care for us. Our state-owned media is not telling us the truth. A workmate coughs too much. Ad nauseum, ad infinitum!
If that is all the language that is coming out of our lips as believers, then shame on us! Our reaction to the pressure cooker we are in of COVID-19 should show the world that God’s Spirit lives in us. We must be different—as “blameless and innocent children of God.”
Our chief concern should be how we can glorify God in this frowning providence. This will involve the thought of how we can help even where others are failing so that we close the gap of care. This is what will bring such joy in our lives that our neighbours will easily notice. Then we can point them to our Saviour, who causes us to “shine as lights in the world.”
“Jesus commanded us to be,
A light shining out for all to see:
Let my light shine, all of the time,
That all may see, the Saviour in me,
And may come to know the Lord.
We are a city on the hill,
To guide people lost in darkness still:
Let us be careful what we do,
Our lives are forever full in view:”
—Author unknown
