We are living in unprecedented times! It’s hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago we were still going about like business as usual (albeit perhaps not the wisest move even at that point), whereas today many of us are working from home while likewise homeschooling our kids. I don’t think any of us anticipated anything like this as we entered 2020 or this Lenten season, and I sure didn’t expect that I’d be entering my 40s in this way. (If “life begins at 40”, I’m not sure I like where this is headed:)
While we’re obviously all eager for this whole crisis to be in our rearview mirror, I’m nevertheless trying to look for the silver lining in all of this. While it’s beyond disruptive, I’m trying to be appreciative of the fact that it’s drawing our family closer as we’re spending more and more time together. Given how quickly our kids are growing, I have to admit it’s a blessing to be able to spend more time with them. Not only that, but this whole ordeal is definitely making me realize how much I take for granted, and how much I’m looking forward to being able to once again engage in all the simple things of life that are currently discouraged or forbidden.
While I’m not only looking for the silver lining in general, I’m also trying to be very attentive to what God is trying to teach us through all of this. It’s been fascinating (and at times disheartening) to observe the myriad ways in which pastors and church leaders have responded to this crisis. I’ve been thankful for those who have exercised wisdom by suspending their in-person gatherings, understanding that the greatest way we can show love for others is by distancing ourselves from those who are most vulnerable. I’ve likewise been dismayed by those who have discounted the seriousness of this whole situation while citing faith as their reason for doing so. There’s a Bible verse that I believe has been erroneously employed to support their stance, which I want to briefly unpack here.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul encourages his protege, Timothy, with these words: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” The way I’ve been seeing this verse misused is with an over-emphasis on what God has not given us in the first half, while seemingly neglecting what God has given us in the second half. The implication is that if we simply have enough faith, we can continue gathering as usual because God will keep us safe. I believe this to be a prime example of putting God to the test, which Jesus explicitly commands us not to do. While it’s absolutely true that God has not given us a spirit of fear, that doesn’t mean that He’s simultaneously encouraging us to be foolish. Practicing “social distancing” does not automatically imply that one is fearful. Rather, it reveals that one is employing their God-given sound mind by heeding the advice of medical experts. While there is much uncertainty around this whole situation, that doesn’t necessarily equate to being gripped by fear. I can say for certain that those pastors and church leaders that I know who are exercising wisdom in all of this are in no way succumbing to fear. On the contrary, they are being driven by love for their neighbors, particularly those who are most vulnerable, by making the informed decision to do their part to not further the spread of this virus. Then finally, there’s the power piece. While we may feel powerless at this time, the reality is that we’re far from powerless because we can beat this virus by simply doing our part to “flatten the curve”.
So today I want to encourage you with this verse in its entirety. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” Know that any fear you’re feeling is an invitation for you to draw near to God and cast all of your fears on Him, allowing His perfect love for you to overshadow and cast out all your fears. Be of sound mind by exercising wisdom and staying home. In doing so, you will be putting into practice the power you have to limit the ongoing power of this virus. In all of this, you will be following Jesus’ command to love your neighbors by doing your part to stop the spread and keep them safe. May God protect you and your loved ones as you navigate these uncertain times, and may you cling to the One who remains steadfast through it all in His love for you!
Rev in Real Life 