Text: Matthew 10:16
At the present time, everyone is talking about the Coronavirus. It originated in China and has been spreading throughout the world. The World Health Organization has classified it as a pandemic. The President of the United States has declared a national emergency. A lot of people are scared, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and people have a lot of questions. At a time like this, it is good to be reminded of some Bible principles that relate to this kind of issue.
First, Be Wise (Matthew 10:16)
- Jesus was sending His disciples out to the world where they would face difficulties – they would face this for preaching, yet the principle applies to any difficult situation before us
- We need to exercise wisdom in dealing with this difficult situation – exercise good judgment, wash hands, watch for symptoms, be prepared (food, supplies, etc.); if you’re immune system is weak or compromised, take extra precautions
Second, Be Harmless (Matthew 10:16)
- Jesus told His disciples to be “innocent” or “harmless” (KJV) – don’t cause problems or bring harm to others
- We should not bring harm to others if we can help it – if you’re sick, stay in; be especially careful with those who are vulnerable health-wise
Third, Be a Good Neighbor (Matthew 7:12)
- We are to practice the golden rule – this is the essence of love; all that we do is to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- Treat others as you would want to be treated – limit contact, avoid visits, offer help if needed, etc.
Fourth, Don’t Forget to Pray (Philippians 4:6-7)
- What requests do we have of God in times like this? – health, safety, cure, calm, wisdom, etc.; make these requests known in prayer
- Do this with thanksgiving – this is vital; this is what enables us to have the peace of God
Fifth, Don’t Be Naive (Proverbs 14:15)
- People often act irrationally out of fear – true of individuals and of society as a whole
- Don’t be taken advantage of by someone claiming to help – most are sincere; a few may not be
- Don’t be so naive as to believe every conspiracy theory out there – skepticism is healthy, but not this extreme
Sixth, Don’t Worry about Tomorrow (Matthew 6:33-34)
- This doesn’t mean be unconcerned – it just means don’t worry; take one day at a time
- Focus on what’s essential (spiritual things) – plan and prepare, but don’t worry
Seventh, Don’t Live in Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
- We don’t know what will happen, how bad it will get, whether we will contract the virus, etc. – for someone in the world without God and without hope, this can be frightening; for Christians, the worst that can happen is “momentary, light affliction” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
- We have God’s promise (Hebrews 13:5-6) – trust in Him; do not fear (Matthew 10:28)
Eighth, Live Every Day with a View to Eternity (Colossians 3:1-2)
- This world is not our home – this doesn’t mean we want to hasten death or are unconcerned about potential dangers; instead, it means we should never lose sight of what’s truly important (Matthew 6:33)
- No matter how long or short our lives are, no matter how difficult our time on earth is, all that matters in the end is reaching our eternal home in heaven
Conclusion
- Regardless of what might happen, be wise and keep your trust in God
- Be mindful of others and continue doing what God wants you to do
- If you’re not a Christian or have fallen away, this is a reminder of the need to get right with the Lord
–ANDY SOCHOR, Eastside church of Christ, Morgantown, KY
from plainbibleteaching.com
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