A Christian Response to COVID-19

This morning, as I drove to meet with friends, I asked myself how God might want us to respond to the current COVID-19 scare. What I write here is not meant to be "the" Christian response or a complete Christian response, but hopefully it helps some find a more Christ-centered perspective on the events of the day.

Ask the question

• A disciple of Jesus should always want to know the perspective God would want us to have and the activity he would have us pursue. When it comes to COVID-19 (and any other issue in our daily lives), we should ask: “God, what do you want to remember about you right now and how do you want me to trust you? Also, how can I love you well given the circumstances and how can I love others well?”

Live with hope in a living God

• This does not mean we throw caution to the wind, but it does mean that we do well to ground our perspective and responses in the fact that God is the ruler over all.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced imminent death, but nonetheless rested in the reality of the living God (Daniel 3:16-18)
• David confronted Goliath when others hid in fear, because he boldly believed in the reality of the living God (1 Samuel 17:32-51)
• Hezekiah trusted in the saving hand of God, when the Assyrian army stood at his doorstep (2 Kings 17)

Fear the right thing

• Often, we overly fear what can harm us physically, and fear too little about what can harm our soul (Matthew 10:28). If we go into hyper self-protection mode, but in the process enter into a season of paralyzing fear, anger towards others, and hoarding to the detriment of others, we have lost sight of what matters most.

Use COVID-19 as a reminder

• The Coronavirus will take lives, and we should do what we can to support efforts to minimize its spread. However, we must recognize that sooner or later all of us will face death. The question is whether we are ready for that moment.
• Jesus said that the flood in the time of Noah and the collapse of a tower that caused the death of 18 should act as reminders of the coming judgment of God. His advice was to repent and be made right with God (Matthew 24:36-41; Luke 13:4-5).
• Often, we think of ourselves as those who are in the land of the living headed to the land of the dead. But in reality we are all in the land of the dying, with the potential (if we turn to God) of enjoying the land of the everlasting.
• Our fragility should not just be a reminder to remain personally God-centered, it should also encourage to tell others about Jesus before their time comes.

Take prudent precautions, but don’t panic

• Nehemiah was commissioned to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Many people sought to curtail his effort and even threatened to kill Nehemiah and his building crew. In response, Nehemiah set guards in their post, but he did not panic and stop the work (Nehemiah 4:12-23). Likewise, even though it is prudent to take precautions against catching the virus, we should not panic such that we cease to carry out the larger tasks God has given us.

Care for the most vulnerable

• So far, indications are that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts the elderly or those whose immune system is in some way compromised. This means that they will likely need to stay more homebound. What are ways we can be serving them?
• There has already been and will continue to be substantial economic impact due to the global scare. Those who will be most impacted are probably those who can least afford it. What can be done to care for those who are losing jobs and the income necessary to sustain their families?
• Some people are more vulnerable to anxiety. We can care for them by being a friend and serving them at this time.

Take advantage of the disruptions

• Most likely events and plans you have made will be cancelled or adjusted. Rather than going to a play or a conference or a church service, you will now be at home or in smaller venues. But there is much that can still be done in the name of Christ. You can stay in touch with and encourage friends and family. Instead of going to a ball game, you can invite friends over and get to know them better. You can read the Bible or another good book that you have too long neglected. Or you can take a walk with your wife and play with your children.
• Our mandate is to love God and love others. Nothing about COVID-19 should keep us from doing that in some form or fashion.

Pray

• There are at least three major effects of COVID-19: the physical ailment, the economic fallout, and personal anxiety. Ask God to work mightily to curtail all of these effects and let others hear your prayers because they need living examples of people who live with hope (John 11:38-42)