Pandemic Priorities
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
By now, the entire world is aware of the current corona virus, known as COVID-19, and globally there is action to stop the spread of the virus. Entire countries have been nearly shut down: businesses are closed, events are cancelled, and people are petitioned to stay home and practice social distancing. During this time, it is also no secret that people are struggling. As a society, we are accustomed to our busy lifestyles. With all of our plans turned upside down, a lack of social contact, and the future so unknown, many people are experiencing anxiety, depression, fear, and conflict in their relationships. As Christians, we know that God is still in control and even this pandemic serves a purpose. Still, how can we spend our time wisely, as days drag into weeks and we run out of hobbies and organization projects to fill our time?
The Bible is clear about the value of time. In Ephesians 5, Paul urged the church to walk wisely and make the best of their time, because the days are evil. He told them to not be foolish, but instead to understand what the will of the Lord is. So, what is the will of the Lord, and how can we accomplish it while we are staying home? To find these answers, let’s dive into this passage a little deeper.
There were two ancient Greek words used for time; one was a very literal translation of days and hours, and the other was about a definite portion of time when something should happen. This was the word for “time” that Paul used, implying Christians have a season of opportunity we should redeem for God’s glory. Interestingly, the same word is used in Galatians 6:10 and translated as “opportunity”: “So then as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith”.
As Christians, we need to seize this time of opportunity to share the gospel and glorify God, “because the days are evil”; there are many false ideologies and religions, many false teachers, many sinful agendas...the list could go on. We don’t need to look far to see evil around us. This should give us even more motivation to take Paul’s words to heart. Because of this, we need to “understand what the will of the Lord is”. This is how we will gain wisdom and a right perspective.
So, in light of this passage, here are 3 ways to redeem the time and keep your pandemic priorities aligned with God’s priorities:
1. Read the Word. If we want to understand the will of the Lord, we need to spend time in His Word. It is in the Bible that we learn of God’s desire for relationship, His holiness and justice, and His expectations for us to share the gospel and care for the marginalized in society. Getting to know God means reading His word, because the word was with God and is God (John 1).
2. Spend time in prayer. One way to use this opportunity of time wisely, is to commune with God in prayer. Make a prayer journal and pray for people, ministries, and various situations that the Lord lays on your heart. Keep track of this and one day you can look back and see how God answered your prayers.
3. Encourage others. Make phone calls, send texts, write cards; this pandemic presents the perfect opportunity to encourage others. If you know someone is especially anxious or at risk of the virus, send them a call, offer to pray with them, ask how you can support them. If you are sponsoring a child, write a letter! If you are supporting a missionary family, send them an email and let them know you are keeping them in prayer.
COVID-19 is taking its toll on all of us, either physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. But what if we start seeing this pandemic as a time of opportunity, instead of a time of threat or hindrance? What if we as Church, use this time to come relentlessly before God’s throne in prayer, and search the scriptures tirelessly to know God and make His will known to the nations? What if we spend our spare moments calling others and writing letters that will lift them up during a difficult time? Could it be, that once this pandemic is over, our priorities will be more aligned with God’s and the church will be even more on fire to fulfill the great commission and glorify God? The choice is mine and yours, so let’s help each other keep our pandemic priorities straight.