Covid-19 and Getting the Right Information

Observation #3:  A seemingly inordinate amount of attention is given to something that causes way less deaths than Influenza A or even old age.  Why?
NOTE: This one comes with credit to Joe Williquette, a pastor friend of mine.

 
First, experts who know about viruses and microscopic organisms are telling us how serious this has been and could be. 

Second, the numbers don't lie - as of this morning there's been over 60,000 deaths and over one million cases in the U.S. alone (1 per 17 cases is ending in death) and the numbers are still growing.

Similarly, there is a movement and phenomenon called, "Biblical Christianity." Though it is based on a person, Jesus Christ, that hasn't walked on earth for 2000 years and though it is empowered by God and His Spirit, who cannot be seen, the numbers don't lie. Voice of the Martyrs just published a stat that the amount of Biblical Christians in China outnumber the amount of Communist Party members 100 million to 90 million. Not only that, but just do a quick search of the origins of the many humanitarian efforts that have started and continue over the centuries. Christians love others, serve others, and trust God through all sorts of life situations. The numbers don't lie. 

Trust Jesus today for your salvation, for it is BECAUSE we're saved that we do these things, not IN ORDER TO get saved. See Ephesians 2:1-10, John 14, or Romans 3:21-26 for more good stuff! #bygracethroughfaithyouaresaved

Observation #4:  I have found it refreshing to know where I can get good, reliable, information during this time of COVID-19. 

Though there are many reasons why a person may not be able to ALWAYS trust information coming from the "authorities," I would say it's irresponsible not to listen to CDC at a time when we so are so NEEDY of the right information. 

Similarly, if there is good, right, and life-saving information available regarding spiritual things and your eternity, wouldn't you do your best to do two things?
1. Make sure it's right information.
2. Listen to it.

This is what the God of creation has offered to us. Starting with Genesis 1:1 and "In the beginning God . . . ", continuing with Psalm 51 and what His forgiveness does and finishing with John 3:16 and the need to believe in Jesus for your salvation. We need RIGHT information. 

Make sure you're getting it and listening to it. Be safe. Stay at home. Be kind. Do no harm. Seek God first.

Covid-19 Hygienic Practices and Germiphobes - What We Can Learn

Observation #1: Most of us, I think it’s fair to say, have taken our “hygienic practices” to a new level recently. 

We’ve always known how germs spread but take more action now because of the threat to ourselves or even to the more vulnerable around us. 

Similarly, many do not address their spiritual need until it’s either too late or until they’ve spent most of their life ignoring it. I'm sure you've felt something like this: that inner sense that there’s got to be more to this life or that feeling like there’s something else that you need. Well, my friends, that inner emptiness is something you were born with and it can only be cured, or filled, or remedied, with Jesus. 

Let me ask you, is it sillier to quarantine yourself for two weeks or even two months in order to keep yourself a much less risk to get or spread a virus that has a 3-5% chance of killing you OR is it sillier to ignore God, your creator, at this moment and risk losing your very soul? Read John 3:31-36 and Romans 5:6-11. 

Believe today.

Observation #2: I have a friend who is a self-professed germophobe. I asked him about how our current COVID-19 situation is effecting him and his answer surprised me. 

He said that he's actually more calm than normal because, now, many other people understand him and are on his same "level." His desire for cleanliness and his fear of what germs can do have been justified, at least to some degree. 

Similarly, those who live out, day-to-day, the truth about who Jesus is, what He did for us, and what He offers each human being, will someday be seen as RIGHT. One day "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10). 

Be that self-professing Jesus follower, maybe you will be instrumental in saving others from their spiritual uncleanliness, once they realize their need.