GOD IS STILL OUR GUIDE
So much in our lives is uncertain and possibly even scary right now.
Instability and lack of control grip me; so much of what gives me comfort is being able to control things! I had a calendar full of appointments, deadlines, goals, budgets, projects… you get the idea. I had everything planned. I had a guide for the next few months of my life. My days were mapped out.
THIS WAS NOT MY PLAN, GOD!
While I have no guide or booklet on how to live in the midst of a global pandemic, I do have an entire book filled with how to love my neighbor. And I take comfort in knowing what God has already placed before me, as actionable steps during this uncertain time.
Scripture gives us some wonderful, challenging, and concrete ways that can guide us. Here are some reflections:
LOVE AND SERVICE
Mark 12: 30-31:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Practical practices:
Text or call elderly neighbors or immuno-compromised people before you go to the grocery store. Ask them if there is anything you can pick up for them or any urgent errands that need to be run. Allow them to stay home.
Are you mowing your grass, pulling weeds, doing other outdoor tasks? You elderly neighbors would likely appreciate your help. Reach out and ask if you can do their yard, too.
If you purchase a “luxury” item such as restaurant food to go, consider gifting a meal from the same restaurant to be delivered to a family in financial need or to a family of an essential worker.
CARE FOR ORPHANS AND WIDOWS
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Practical practices:
Assisted living and retirement centers are full of widows and widowers with families and loved ones who can no longer visit them. Consider sending them cards, having your kids draw them pictures, and write them letters to brighten their day.
Continue to reach out to families that are fostering and adopting and assist them. The strain on their family has not stopped and has likely been increased.
Give/donate to organizations doing front line work, such as Outreach Indiana. They are currently providing food and essential items to homeless teens who no longer have shelters or community support services due to stay at home orders. Find out how other homeless shelters and agencies are providing services during these times of crisis and ask how you can contribute.
REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH AND RESOURCES
Acts 2:44-45
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Romans 12:6-13
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Practical practices:
Pick up a grocery gift card for someone who has lost their job for families that receive WIC or food stamps- by the end of the month they likely have little to no money left to purchase food.
Look over your budget. What do you now have to give that you didn’t before? For example, we took the money we would typically spend on gas, haircuts, and outings and pushed it into a fund to be able to freely give. With just gas alone, we had an extra $200 we could use to give generously.
Consider your resources. Do you have bikes sitting in your garage that kids in your neighborhood might be able to use during this extended time home? Maybe you have basketballs, soccer ball, games, or books that you are not using that can be utilized somewhere else. Offer them to neighbors, families you know could use them, or to families inside your church community.
Do you offer an interesting skill? Maybe you’re great at photography, sewing, dancing, etc? How can you use your gifting and skill set in a new and creative way during this season? Can you offer free photos from family’s porches? Sew masks? Offer a free online dance class? How can you bring life to your community in these ways?
While this pandemic is alarming to us, God is in control and he continues to guide us.
His word is still true and still the same. How will we, the church, continue to partner with God and his kingdom during this time?
- Emily Thien