A Christian Response to Covid-19

How do Christians Respond to the Covid-19 Pandemic

I am responding to our current situation as a Christian to Christians. This is not a discussion on the severity or lack of severity. I am not sharing any personal or political opinion on the decisions our government has made. I am simply speaking as one who looks to the Word of God as the authority for the life of all Christians. In doing so, I have come up with the following 5 points to consider.

  1. Nothing about God’s sovereign control over His creation has changed.

    • God is not shocked.
    • Christians should not be surprised either. Over the past decade, I have traveled to areas suffering from Malaria, Dengue, Zika, Influenza A, B, C, SARS, MERS and now Covid-19.
    • The possibly of a virus which can infect and kill many people is nothing new.
    • Secular Humanists trust in a time where we are technologically and medically advanced. It is their belief all sicknesses should eventually fade into oblivion through human reason and progress.
    • The Bible does not promise a time without sickness and death until the return of Jesus. Rev 21:3-4 have a wonderful promise for that time, but we are certainly not there now.
    • When we trust God is in control, it becomes obvious we are not. This brings up the next point.

  2. The inability to control our lives has been revealed, and people don’t like it.

    • People get upset when they are told what to do. They get even more upset when they are told what they are NOT allowed to do.
    • To some degree, most of us are now experiencing some disruption to our daily schedule, health, and future.
      • Schools are shut down, jobs are in danger, finances are in jeopardy, illness is a possibility.
    • As Christians, we have an example in Christ to submit all these freedoms to Him for His good purpose.
    • In order to do this well, we need to focus on the next point.

  3. Maintain the correct temporary vs eternal perspective

    1. Anything that can happen to you in this world is temporary.
      • This includes running out of toilet paper, rescheduling an event, contracting the illness, even death.
      • Rom 8:18
        • “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”
      • Worse-case scenario is death. Welcome to eternity with Christ.
      • Loss of loved ones should cause a greater desire to spend quality time with others. And share the Gospel with those who have not heard.
      • Some may argue death is not the worst-case scenario. They predict total financial collapse of our country, massive unemployment, etc. will happen.
      • I still trust Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
      • I have been in places where our worst-case scenario is a normal Monday afternoon. Guess what. God is still working in those places. Jesus is still risen.

  4. How to respond to new restrictions

      1. Do I follow the authorities?
        • Employers, Schools, local, state, and national government?
      2. YES
      3. As Christians we are to submit to the rulers over us. Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pt 2:13-17;
        • “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves. Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13–17, CSB)

  5. How to respond to everyone else

        • Nothing has changed here for the Christian
          • Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-40 are still true., “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”” (Matthew 22:37–40, CSB)
        • Love God by recognizing His authority over your life.
          • Utilize your newly found free time to improve your relationship with God
            • Read your Bible, Pray, Worship, fellowship with others…while maintaining social distancing.
          • Trust He has good plans for your life
          • Trust the plans He has may differ from your plans, but remember who is in charge
        • Love neighbor by looking to Christ as your example
          • Die to yourself, looking to the needs of others prior to yours
          • Serve others
          • Give the reason for the hope that is in you
          • Allow your behavior to be a beacon of light in this dark time
          • Pray for discernment to know what to say, who to talk to, and when to have the conversation
          • Take advantage of this unique time in world history to reach out to those who need it most.

Let me sum it all up by saying people God is still in control. The Gospel of Jesus is still answering the greatest needs of the human heart. God is still equipping and calling the Body of Christ to reveal truth and comfort to those full of fear, anxiety, and stress. Let the church trust God, and be obedient to whatever calling we He has given.