A Normal Response To An Abnormal Time

As I write this we are at the beginning a week that is predicted to be the worst week for illness and death because of the Corona virus that has been spreading around the world. It may be as the experts predict, it may not be. I for one, as I've implied previously have some misgivings about this entire scenario. There is no doubt that the virus can be deadly, and can trigger fatal reactions in people in certain age groups or with already weakened health conditions. I do not mean to make less of the condition of those so affected, or of anyone's loss to this virus. Nor do I encourage people to ignore the guidelines prescribed for us by those in authority. At this point, based on what we know, they are the best course of actions we can do to safeguard ourselves and perhaps contain the spread of this further.

 "Based on what we know" is the reason for my misgivings. What we truly know about the virus and its effects and what is mere speculation seems to be a flimsy foundation for our response that is shutting down our nation, encroaching upon our freedoms, and creating fear and anxiety for many. The numbers and the facts do not warrant the kind of response we are being told to comply to.  From what I understand, and to give our leaders the benefit of the doubt, I have heard them say they are planning for the worst and acting as if it will happen, in order to save as many lives as possible, just in case it does occur as the models suggest. I get that and can see the wisdom in that approach.

So whether the response is warranted or not what do we do as Christians?  I think we do as we should be doing anyway.  Romans 12:1 states, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  This encourages us to not be conformed to the worlds response of fear, anxiety, blame, political maneuvering etc. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ, not only for our own peace of mind and confidence, but for the sake of others who are bound by deep uncertainty or hurtful emotions. 

We can now more than ever demonstrate where our confidence lies. We can show an anxious world that in Jesus we have a faith and a set of priorities that transcend the norm, new or old. We can show those who blame the President or others for what they did or did not do, that there is One in control Who is Lord of the vast universe as well as the microscopic realm.  In our humble submission to Christ and His Lordship, even over this, we show people that in spite of our greatness as a nation, we are not God, and that,"In God we trust," had better be more than a slogan on our currency. 

Christians can love without hypocrisy, cling to what is good, be devoted to brotherly love and give preference to others. Ours is a hope we can rejoice in, we can help meet the needs of those around us, and above all as we  have more time at home, be even more devoted to prayer. These behaviors are spelled out in the rest of Chpt. 12 of Romans, and are the things that should be the norm for those confessing Jesus as Lord.  

So yes it is an abnormal season we are in, and yes I may be skeptical about our prescribed response. Perhaps you are as well,  but it doesn't have to dictate anyone's christian testimony or attitude. In fact, it should, in an odd, round about kind of way, enhance it.