Remaining in Christ in this Moment

By Benjamin H. Liles

          It's tragically funny how things are in this world at the moment: there are those who struggle to get things done, abusive relationships, some losing their jobs, and to top it all off we have COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus). Store shelves in the local arena around the states in America are either emptied or becoming empty. Countries abroad are also as well in panic mode. Yet there is a word for you today: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2, New King James).

The Problem

          Wait, what!? Explain that. With the way things are currently we can have peace in spite of all the turmoil going around and on in our lives. Rather than be fully concerned with the way and state of things we need to be more than simply self-aware, but be selfless. If we submit ourselves to doing God's will, being in His word, and taking action to help others than focus on ourselves, I wonder what would happen worldwide?

          We've been so focused so much on the "Me Too" movement over the past few years and how we can have things in the extent of "Me Too" we should look to helping others. Think about this for a moment, sincerely and deeply. It wasn't long ago that one single solitary man was in a province of China climbing when he got sick with this strain of Coronavirus that has taken the world by storm. I'm suggesting maybe this is a wake up call to focus on helping others than simply, dare I say it, ourselves.

          Paul says elsewhere in his letters to the church in Galatia, "[Christ] gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4). If we claim and stand so steadfastly on the fact we belong to Him our actions need to dictate our selflessness and not on our own selves.

Possible Solutions

          I wonder what would happen in our communities, whether big or small, would look like if we got on our knees seeking Him above all, and gave from the depth of our hearts and souls for the benefit of others? Would we not start to see something miraculous happen? I say this also to those in Evangelical circles who say we don't have an express move of God's Spirit among us. But God tells us, "My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, Berean Study).

          We say we want His forgiveness in our lives, to bless and not curse us, to show us how to reach others. Well, let's pray on it. Let's give ourselves over to a holy and just God who desires to give us His riches, Himself and His glory. Let's be that example Christ talks about: "No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light" (Luke 11:33, Ne American Standard).

          I am going to be open and honest here -- we need to allow our focus not just to be on the good Lord who forgave us a tremendous debt, but to also forgive those who are indebted towards us. That alone may stem the tide of the recent widespread flu-like virus that threatens to "steal, kill and destroy" many a population. I don't care for what mainstream media is doing. It's causing a panic to be made so much so that those of us who need certain items such as toilet paper, food items, and certain cleansers (lysol, anti-bacterials and the like) to not be on shelves of stores.

A Challenge and a Call

          What it boils down to for me is that selflessness, being available to help others in their need, outweighs the need to take things that should go to others. Meanwhile there are jobs that are starting to suffer as well due to the possibility of places being shut down and closed for business. I don't live far from Austin, TX and they have cancelled South by Southwest as well as the Livestock Show and Rodeo, which are big moneymakers in terms of revenue for the city.

          The challenge here is to go beyond yourself, to doing something for a neighbor, for someone else other than yourself. The call is this: be just in how you want to be dealt with. I don't have a great deal to give but I can give what little I have and it is this much: to show the love of Christ in a time of need as this. I am a light as He was a light to me. I feel as though I am His ambassador. I want to love as He loved me and gave me a chance to live.

          I go out of my way when I am able to give and extend the same love He's given me. I do so daily to anyone and everyone as I am able, regardless how much I have or even do not have. It's very much in the same vein as what was done for a crippled man: "I don't have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6, Holman Christian Standard). With and in his faith that man got up and walked because he put his faith, his trust in One who could only do so, Jesus Christ!

Conclusion

          I do believe we can go about and do things for others, but it also means being safe. Wash your hands, wipe down areas that may or may not seem filthy, and make sure you have received your flu shot. Also, allow yourself some time and effort to be patient towards others who may not seem able to be patient with. Let us show one another the same love that Christ gave to us, being a light, and being selfless so that He is glorified and honored. Let us make that our hallmark. I believe that by doing this we can see an end to the explosive nature of Coronavirus. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, keep us safe in this time and our need! Amen.