Many things are among us right now- school closings, food and toilet paper shortages, travel bans, and of course the virus that seems to be growing that we still don't know that much about. There is this energy in the air- similar to that feeling of "snow is coming" except for many they are not experiencing the joyous waiting of snow or something exciting on the horizon. Many are waiting, watching, scrolling, and updating phones every few minutes to see the new totals and new closings that will interrupt our days.There seems to be two camps right now- the camp of "panic" and the camp of "no big deal." What if there is a third camp to consider? What if there is a camp, that we as believers, could recognize and stand firm in together? A camp where we look at the upheaval of all things normal and speak towards it with the truth that Jesus is still sitting on his throne. Jesus is not surprised or concerned or wondering how this is all going to work out. He did not get up off his throne and begin pacing the streets of gold wondering what is to be done. He could sweep us up and out of here in an instant if he so chose- and the fact that he hasn't says that there are still assignments that need our attention.
The way I see it- we have an unprecedented opportunity in front of us- a gift really. We, as The Church, have been given the chance to show our neighbors, our coworkers, and our children what it can look like to adhere to wise recommendations honorably while still not giving into a spirit of fear and hysteria. If we proclaim that all of our hope is in Jesus- then let's live in a way that demonstrates that. Let's spur one another onward and upward into the calling of royal sons and daughters and seek to love our neighbors well.
Let's take the time to read the name tag of the employee at Publix and use his name and look in him in the eye as he bags our fifth container of hand soap. Let's open our eyes to those children maybe near us who really depended on those free and reduced lunches and perhaps take a meal to someone. Let's try to see that with all the canceled sporting events and activities that we actually have extra time to play a game with our kids, go on a walk with our neighbor, or just read a book. In a world where the messages of "stock up, save yourself, and hold on tight" seem to penetrate our culture- lets be the people who live with hands wide open so that the Father can bless others through us. Let's be in the camp of the Kingdom- the camp of salt and light- the camp where we live with one foot planted firmly in eternity while still having one foot in this world. Let's be a people who show those around us that we really believe that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
I truly believe that during this little sliver in time- when the world feels like it is crumbling around us and our neighbors are consumed with worry and fear, that we have been given a gift to speak life and rest and peace into those around us- and we do that best not by our words but by our actions. So let's all take a deep breath, pray for those who are most at risk, try to make wise decisions, but lets do it all with our eyes turned outward and toward those God has chosen to place in our paths. In a world that feels dark and lost- by the grace of God- may our lives be salty and bright.
