A Perfect Storm: Bringing Out the Best or Worst in Us
Stress can bring out the worst in people.
Financial stress.
Health-related stress.
Stress due to uncertainty.
Stress caused by interruptions.
And when a global health crisis of an undetermined duration causes job losses and interrupts our routines, the result is a perfect storm.
The result is also a perfect opportunity for Christians to shine…or not.
So how are we doing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Are we living out these words of Jesus: “I was sick and you looked after me” (Matthew 25:36 NIV)? That’s what thousands upon thousands of health care workers are doing today.
Are we living out these words of the second-century theologian, Tertullian: “Look . . . how they love one another . . . and how they are ready to die for each other.” Or are we fighting over rolls of toilet paper?
Are we living wisely with faith in the Lord’s care? Or are we flaunting wise counsel to “social distance,” thereby violating Jesus’s words, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7 NIV)?
Are we honoring the words of John the Baptist: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same” (Luke 3:11 NIV)? Or are we hoarding bottles of hand sanitizer?
And are we living out the apostle Paul’s words: “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:4 NIV)? Or are we reaching out to the vulnerable among us? Those who are frightened, isolated, or elderly and who need a word of encouragement?
How we respond to the COVID-19 crisis may look different for each of us depending on our circumstances, our families, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
This pandemic has the potential to bring out the best in us or the worst in us. How will you and I weather this perfect storm?
A timely blog for “Such a time as this”. Thank you Ava for always knowing what to say and when to say it. God bless you and keep you safe.
Thank you, Rayma. You, too!
Your gift of words is so fitting during this time….Thank you Ava!
Thank you for your encouragement, Pam!
I want to be used during this pandemic; we never know who might be affected eternally by how we respond to this crisis. I love your heart!
Yes, this is a scary time. But, I am comforted knowing God is with us. I put a smile on my face and try my best to show His love in every moment. 🙂
So true. One of the BEST things about difficult times is that everything else but the unessential falls away. I am not saying it’s easy right now, but it is so good to push all the crazy away and focus on Jesus.
Thanks for this timely blog. I am trying to be one if the people sharing God’s love in little ways (and without physical contact).
Fresh insight here, Ava. The “least of these” in Matthew 25 is one of my favorite passages to consider for ministry. Yet, I never thought about how it relates to healthcare workers caring for the sick. And especially love how you flesh out Matthew 4:7 and Luke 3:11 in whether or not we are practicing social distance or hoarding.