When We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness
When We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness
Hello my dear friend, so nice to have you back at the table. Grab a hot drink in your favourite mug and let’s have a heart to heart. This week I want to take us on a bit of a “touchy” journey – but a journey that I believe we need to go on, regardless. This week I want us to sit down, get comfortable and go deep while we talk about: What We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness.
When You Wait Upon The Lord
This blog was supposed to be released on Monday morning, but late Sunday evening, when I still did not have a clear topic, I knew I needed to stop and take more time to listen carefully for what God had for us this week. I waited Sunday evening and Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday. Still nothing. Sure, I had a few potential topics, but nothing that grabbed me or felt relevant for this point in time. This morning (Thursday), I woke up and I knew that it was time to share the things that have been on my heart for the last few weeks. There are times in our lives when we are called to have the tough conversations. To say those things that may or may not be popular but that need to be released into the atmosphere. This is the day for that type of conversation, so stay with me until the end and let’s do this together.
Speaking Truth As The World Spins
These days, the world seems to be spinning out of control. On Social media, traditional media, conversations in the grocery store with strangers and around the kitchen table, there is a sense of unease and unrest in the air. There is an overriding feeling that things are fraying at the edges and about to let loose. So let me get right to the point. Today, I want to talk about Covid-19 (coronavirus) and how we, as Christians, are dealing with the current situation.
Let me start by saying, I am a Registered Nurse, a health care worker, who fully understands and appreciates how viruses work, spread and contaminate. I am also a Christian, who believes in the Hand of protection of my God in my life and that ultimately God is in control. There is no but here because I truly believe that these two belief systems do not contradict one another and that there is a balanced spot in the center where I can speak intelligently and compassionately from either position.
Grace For All
Furthermore, let me be very clear at the very beginning of our conversation – this blog does not come from a place of judgement, but rather from a place of grace. As a Christian, who is also an educated Health Care Professional, I feel that I have a responsibility to speak truth when I see that there is a need. I take that responsibility very seriously. It is, however, done from a place of concern and a desire to see Christians walking in love and truth, always being mindful of the witness we are called to set forth.
Set Apart In The World
As Christians, we are called to be set apart in the world. Not because we are better, not because we have more knowledge and wisdom, but because we have Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is doing a new work within us. That new work, in time, will cause us to look, act, speak and relate differently than those around us. We are called to live and interact with others in such a way that others see Jesus Christ in us.
Faith And Wisdom
Faith and wisdom must coexist in our Christian walk. One does not contradict the other. Faith tells me that Jesus has placed a hedge of protection around me, wisdom tells me not to walk out in front of a moving vehicle. Don’t let anyone tell you that if you are walking in faith, wisdom goes out the window. The Father has given us brains and knowledge and life experiences, which all come together to form the wisdom He has for us. He also leads us in wisdom by His Holy Spirit. Faith is not equivalent to recklessness. Faith is the foundation from which we employ the wisdom the Lord has imparted to us. Faith is not a place of refuge from which we engage in unwise and reckless behaviour, putting others and ourselves at risk and expecting that God will protect us anyway. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil told him to throw himself down from the pinnacle because the Word said that the angels were given charge over Him. Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ”
Fear And Healthy Respect
In the same way that faith and wisdom work hand in hand, fear and healthy respect also walk hand in hand. We are frequently told in the Word, “Do Not Fear!” We are to walk in faith and trust that the Lord is in control. Walking without fear does not mean, however, that you walk without a healthy respect for those things that can cause injury or damage in your life or the lives of others. Again, one does not walk in front of moving vehicles because they are not fearful. Walking in faith, rather than fear, comes from the fact that Jesus Christ lives in us and knowing that ultimately, the Father is in control. It does not give us liberty to be reckless.
Grace Vs. Judgement
We are not called to judgement but to have grace. We were once in the same place that those in the world around us are in currently. “Oh, but for the grace of God go I.” However, for some of us, we have forgotten what that part of our journey was like and we have become hardened to those around us. We cannot “imagine” how people could think or act that way. The truth of the matter is that we often thought and acted that way in the past. The bigger truth is that some of us are still waging a war within us between thinking and acting that way rather than the way Christ has called us to think and act. Our judgement often comes from a place of trying to make ourselves feel better about where we find ourselves. We are called to have hearts of flesh and not hearts of stone. We are called to compassion for those around us. Compassion calls for grace, not judgement. Compassion calls for us to ask, “What do I have to offer”, rather than, “I can’t believe they are like that”. Ultimately, what we have to offer does not come from us, but from the peace, love, and redeeming grace of Christ that was strong enough to save and change us and can save and change them too!
Understanding Hoarding
Sometimes we just need to pause and try to understand why people act the way they do. Let’s talk about the hoarding that is going on. People are hoarding toilet paper- even though this virus is primarily a respiratory concern. They cannot keep hand sanitizer on the shelves when all you really need is to wash your hands properly with soap and water. There is not a mask to be found, even though the fact of the matter is, regular masks will not keep the virus out. Hoarding behaviour of these particular items does not make any sense – and it causes more panic and shortages of items that others could be using. It seems absurd. So what is the Christian response to this? First of all, stop hoarding! Secondly, understand that hoarding behaviour is triggered by fear. Fear of not being able to get items one needs, fear of being quarantined to home, fear of lack of control. How do we combat fear? By sharing our faith. How do we share our faith? With compassion, not judgement. Talk to people, find out what it is that they are fearful about and begin to share the love of Christ that overcomes all fear with them. Practically, reassure those around you that they will not be left stranded, that you and others in your Christian community will be God’s Hands extended and then follow through on that promise.
Back To Wisdom
Back to wisdom, hoarding is the unnecessary collecting of items – stocking up appropriately on items that you may need if you contract the virus and need to be quarantined for a period of time, or if you are unable to get out in public for some time, or in the event the supplies are not as plentiful, is wisdom. There is a balance and as Christians, we need to find it, find it quickly and begin demonstrating it to those around us.
They Are Watching Us
The world is watching us. We claim to have something they need, so they are watching to see what that looks like in our day-to-day lives. They do not want to see Christians hoarding items, they do not want to see reckless behaviour, and they do not want to see nonchalance when the situation requires vigilance. They want to see calm, composed, wise decision-making and to hear encouraging words of compassion. When the world begins to see that we are walking in faith, not fear, balanced with wisdom and compassion, it will be at that point that they see that we really do have something they want and need. Until then, we are doing nothing but damage to the witness of Christ in our lives.
Are You Anointed For That?
A quick comment about some of the Facebook posts that are going around about people moving in great faith into areas where the virus is rampant and being protected. I do not disagree that this can happen. However, I want to point out that not everyone is anointed for that. There is an anointing of protection that goes beyond our ability to understand when individuals or groups are called to a certain calling. If God has placed that on you, in your spirit and your heart, then move in it. He is faithful. Life must go on, healthcare workers and other essential workers are endangered every day because of their call to the work they have chosen, but they are moving forward using wisdom and all the protective processes and equipment that are available to them, fully aware of the risk involved. Pray Psalm 91 over yourself, your family, your work, your day-to-day life, but do not walk recklessly. Use the wisdom God has given you.
Practicality For The Win
So what does this all look like in our day-to-day walk? A few things we need to be mindful of:
1) Stop posting inaccurate information on Social Media. Check your sources; make sure they are reputable and scientifically accurate. All we are doing is increasing the fear and confusion in the general population by spreading inaccurate and unnecessary information. Just because it is online does not mean it is true.
2) Stop fear-mongering. Telling the world (especially via disconnected means like social media) that the end of the world is near is not helpful. If you are concerned about their salvation, because you truly believe we are in the end times, then have genuine and compassionate conversations, in person, with those individuals. Make a real difference in their lives, do not just be a noise in the atmosphere.
3) Stop posting judgmental comments on Social Media. We are trying to win the world for Christ, not push them away. When non-believers witness our lack of compassion for them and each other, it turns them away. That includes political comments, comments on Covid-19 and your differences of opinions. If you are going to share on your beliefs, do so in love and compassion, strategically and constructively.
4) Be positive, but realistic. There should be no extremes in our views at this time in the world. Comments that “everything is a hoax and we really are all ok” are no more helpful than commenting, “everyone is going to die”. Find your balance – offer hope to a world that is fearful and looking for control. We claim to have that hope in Jesus – so demonstrate it and share it.
5) Be the witness you are called to be. Posts on Social Media that indicate that people are more afraid of a virus than the rapture are not helpful. People are afraid of what they see in front of them – right now, they see a virus. Many people do not even know what the rapture is, let alone to be afraid of it – because we, the Church have failed to share the Word of God and the hope and redemption of Christ with those around us. Vague posts on Social Media are not the way to be the witnesses that Christ called us to be. Put-on the compassion of Christ, get in relationship and share what Christ has done in your life – that is a true witness.
6) When in doubt, do not hit the button. Social media can be especially damaging. It is easy enough to hit the post button and share it without thinking it through first. It is also easy to get caught up in the emotions of the moment and share without checking with the Holy Spirit first. It is helpful? Is it needful? Is this the right time? Is this the right platform? Is this something that needs to be shared in a less disconnected way? What is the tone? How will it be understood?
It Isn't All About Us!
We must be concerned about our witness and whether or not our actions are a stumbling block or offence to another. We may be walking in liberty and faith but at the same time we need to be aware of what our actions look like, are perceived like and how they are influencing those around us. “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9
Practically, you may feel confident that you can survive the virus even if infected. However, I would caution you, it is not just about you. It is about those that you may infect in the process and put at risk – those who are not walking in faith and/or are physically unable to fight such a virus.
As Christians, it is never really about us. It is about being Jesus to the world.
So Where Do We Go From Here?
So where do we go from here?
Your first responsibility is to strengthen yourself in the Lord. You will be of no benefit to others if you are not strong yourself. Get in the Word, go to pray, spend time with the Father, hear what it is He is speaking in these times, fellowship with other believers, encourage one another.
Take measures to protect your physical health. Make sure you have essential items on hand (not enough for the next 2 years, but a supply that is sufficient to carry you if you had to miss going out for groceries for a week or 2). Wash your hands regularly and well. Stay home if you are sick. Excuse yourself from gatherings where others are sick. Eat well, get enough rest, and get some exercise and some fresh air to help maintain your immune system.
Be mindful of your witness. Watch the words that you speak and that you type. Do your words show forth love, compassion, encouragement and empathy, and the hope of Christ? If not, they need to change. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”(Proverbs 18:21) Pray, pray, pray. Pray for those who are fearful, are sick, are looking for something more. Encourage one another and hold one another accountable. Speak the truth, but do so in love and with the right motives.
Practically, figure out where you can be of assistance in this time of need. Do those around you need practical help? Meals prepared, groceries picked up, financial support, a ride to the hospital or clinic? How can you as an individual and you as a Church body, reach out and meet the needs that are currently in your neighbourhood or among your family and friends? This is not a time to hide out in your house while declaring that you are full of faith and protected. Use wisdom and serve where it is safe and wise for you to do so.
What I Know
I know with all my heart that the Lord is in control. I seek each day to walk in such a way that my actions are not seen as reckless but wise in the eyes of the Lord. I seek to have a heart of compassion, at all times, for those around me. I am not perfect, any more than anyone else is, but I do my best to be a good witness by openly and willingly sharing what the Lord has accomplished in my life, with others. I want nothing more than to be the hands of Christ extended and to be a vessel of His love and compassion and grace in the earth.
Until Next Time
Well, my dear friend, my cup is long since empty and it is time for me to go for now. I am so happy you joined me at the table today. As always, it has been a pleasure to sit and share with you.
Your Turn To Comment
As always, I love to hear from you – be sure to join in on the conversation by adding your comments in the comment box below.
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Until next time,
From my heart to yours!
laurie
Wonderful message Laurie thank you for sharing !Love and hugs!
Thanks Auntie Flo! Love you bunches
Thanks for sharing this wise advice – what opportunity there is during these times to allow God to teach us, change us and use us for His Glory!!
So happy you joined us at the table, Kim! Yes, there is much opportunity, isn’t there! So important for us to walk, balancing our faith and the wisdom He has given us, while loving those we encounter!
Laurie………….thank you for being obedient and waiting for this amazing “word’ we can all learn and benefit from as we navigate these waters as we trust the ONE who calms the seas, Jesus.
Thanks my friend 🙂 It is a time of balancing isn’t it – faith and wisdom – Jesus has us!
Oh my beautiful friend. Awesome word for this time and season. Thank you for your obedience. There are some things that you wrote that really spoke to my heart. Blessings, Rhonda
My dear friend, so happy it spoke to you – the Word of God will not return void! Love you!