“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear.”

Isaiah 11:2-3

This will be my 12th and final installment under the “My Corona Journal.”

After the President announced this week that social distancing recommendations (not laws) will be in place until the end of April, I felt led to wrap up the COVID-19 theme and refocus my attention to prophetic and apologetic material.

Having said that, I would like to share some interesting news headlines that I believe speak to the bigger picture and underlying issues behind the COVID-19 outbreak. As I have said from the beginning, hindsight will disclose what all this was really about. The virus is real and can be fatal. I have never denied that, but the numbers still don’t add up.

Although COVID-19 seems to be spreading fast, we must keep this outbreak into perspective. As of today, March 30, the total number of cases in the WORLD was less than 800,000. Here in the U.S. we have topped 150,000 cases and just under 3,000 deaths.

That may sound like a lot, but when compared to the seasonal flu, which already has infected up to 60 million Americans and accounted for nearly 60,000 deaths in 2020 and the other recent outbreaks like the 2009 H1N1 virus, this coronavirus has not yet proven to be any more substantial than other viruses of its kind. I understand many healthcare officials say this virus is “different,” but the evidence does not support that yet. All I am saying I reserve the right to wait and see if that is true or not.

All of these illnesses and deaths are most horrific and could affect any of us. I would never wish this disease upon anyone, and my heart breaks for those who are suffering or who have lost family members to this dreaded virus.

But this entire global crisis, in my humble opinion, has little to do with COVID-19 and has everything to do with significant shift in our world. Whether that shift is ultimately good or bad, I’m not sure. But I am confident that life as we know it will never be the same after this is over.

Headline #1 — Tampa Megachurch Pastor Arrested for leading packed services

Tampa Bay Area Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested this week on misdemeanor charges of unlawful assembly and violation of public health emergency order. I don’t know anything about Pastor Browne or his doctrine, but I do know that this scenario perfectly represents the tension that has emerged between civil liberties and governmental control.

While most churches have temporarily elected to suspend services, other churches around the country have decided to keep their doors open to their congregants.

I see this issue from both sides. Many keep saying that we are loving our neighbors and being good citizens by respecting the recommendations by our government and healthcare officials. I agree. Many also point out that this is only temporary and necessary to slow down the virus. Time will tell. Our church — Christ Church in Memphis — has taken this position. As an elder, I am in full support of this position, even though I am personally struggling with the dynamics at work that have limited civil liberties while at the same time emboldening elected officials with more unilateral powers.

When governments begin mandating and criminalizing our First Amendment rights, we had better pay attention. For example many cities, like New York, have criminalized social distancing requirements by fining or arresting violators. Maybe this is only for a limited season, but there is no guarantee that governments won’t take advantage of these executive powers again in any given situation.

My guess is that the COVID-19 response has been a test to see just how far the American people would allow the government to go in restricting our basic constitutional rights and God-given freedoms. Now that they have seen what they can do in a “crisis” situation, I am interested to see what constitutes a crisis moving forward.

Headline #2 — Shut Down Recipe for Social Unrest

It only makes sense that as more jobs are lost, the more bills are unpaid, the more people are forced to live in close quarters, the more fear spreads … the more civil disorder we can expect.

As the article above pointed out, “unemployment, impoverishment, and despair are frightening outcomes in themselves. They’re also a recipe for social unrest that will afflict even those of us who weather both the pandemic and the accompanying economic storm.”

Headline #3 — Gun and Ammunition Sales Soaring across U.S.

American citizens have shown up in record numbers to prove how much they appreciate their 2nd Amendment rights. Apparently the COVID-19 outbreak has many American people contemplating the sobering reality of self-defense and potential martial law.

It is interesting that our forefathers and founders of this great nation considered this fundamental right so essential to all citizens. Notice the original language.

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The founders did not include this right in the constitution just for self-defense, however. Notice that the primary reason we are afforded this right is to secure a free State in the face of governmental tyranny.

No, we are not at that point, but we are fools to believe that corrupt government elites and self-serving career politicians aren’t chomping at the bit to take our guns away and then take our freedoms away. That has been the pattern historically in every totalitarian state, including Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and even the socialist Venezuela of our day.

We know Jesus warned us against the dangers of living by the sword [Matthew 26:52], but we also forget that Jesus was not a total pacifist. As a matter of fact, Jesus instructed his disciples to bear arms at one point, knowing that they soon would be facing persecution.

He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Luke 22:36-38

Headline #4 — Internet Shut Down a Real Possibility during Crisis

There has been some chatter in certain circles about a potential internet shut down during the COVID-19 crisis. Only time will tell whether or not these suspicions are true.

We already know that the overwhelming number of people being forced to work online has caused some interference and slowing for most of the primary internet service providers. Many have already experienced this while trying to share bandwidth and data with an unprecedented number of users all at the same time.

But imagine if the entire internet temporarily was shut down in the U.S., especially in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Can anyone say pandemonium?

Society would lose its ever-loving mind!

Is that even possible? Well when you consider that a record 21 countries cut off the Internet 122 times in 2019, it seems more likely than not that something like that could happen here.

Some believe that cyber-warfare could be the potential culprit with some type of cyber-security attack. Others have suggested scenarios where President Trump could use his executive powers to shut down the internet for security purposes. According to the Communications Act of 1934, which is still in effect though amended, the President has the authority to assume control of all communications in the country.

Section 706 of this law allows the president to shut down or take control of “any facility or station for wire communication” if he proclaims “that there exists a state or threat of war involving the United States.” With respect to wireless communications, suspending service is permitted not only in a “war or a threat of war,” but merely if there is a presidential proclamation of a “state of public peril” or simply a “disaster or other national emergency.” There is no requirement in the law for the president to provide any advance notice to Congress. 

Communications Act of 1934

So just in case things go dark over the next few weeks within the next few months, just remember … God is still on His throne. Jesus is still King of heaven and earth. And the Holy Spirit still dwells within everyone of God’s redeemed. Trust God and love your neighbor and share the gospel like your life depends on it.

So until next time …

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”

Romans 8:35

I have to admit … after nearly a month of social distancing and isolation, it’s really starting to get to me. Don’t get me wrong. Family time has been great. Getting some projects done around the house has been needed. Extra time to read and reflect and seek the LORD has been such a blessing.

But something is missing, and with each passing week, it’s become more clear.

We were created for community.

God saved us and gave us a family — brothers and sisters in Christ — with whom we are one in Spirit and bound together in love.

I never knew how much I would miss my church family until they were gone.

I never realized how essential the people of God would be until I was forced to live without them.

I have discovered a newfound appreciation for the church, and for that I am forever grateful.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:4-6

As I sit here feeling sorry for myself tonight, the Lord graciously and gently reminded me of what I needed to remember the most.

God reminded me that … You may be separated from your church family. You may be forced to isolate yourself from the ones you love. You may feel alone and disoriented without your brothers and sisters in Christ.

But never forget … nothing in all creation can separate you from Me and from My perfect love.

It is at times like this that the simple but profound promises of God ring so true in my weary heart.

Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ Jesus … and His love is enough. We will conquer the Coronavirus through the greatest power in the universe. The power of God’s perfect love.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39

Amen

“They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons;
they poured out innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was polluted with blood.”

Psalm 106:37-38

Here is one of the most encouraging silver linings found in the midst of the COVID-19 doom and gloom.

With the virus stressing and stretching our medical workers and facilities across the nation, several states have shut down their abortion clinics as “non-essential” businesses. Seems kind of obvious to me that charging women money to murder their innocent, unborn babies in cold blood would fall under the “non-essential” category but hey, who am I to judge, right?

Texas, Ohio, and my home state of Mississippi have temporarily shut down the abortion industry in their respective states and have asked that these clinics contribute much-needed medical supplies to help treat infected COVID-19 patients. You can read more about this here.

Sure, most states are standing their ground and fighting for the right to keep their baby-murdering factories open in spite of the COVID-19 crisis. I mean it makes perfect sense to treat and care for a baby with the flu outside the womb, it’s just the ones still inside the womb that don’t deserve the best possible healthcare. But again, who am I to judge, right?

This story is very interesting to me because if we do the math, the decision by these three states to shut down abortion clinics is saving a significant number of human lives. Consider the latest statistics …

1. Texas accounts for approximately 55,000 abortions each year.
2. Ohio accounts for about 20,000 abortions each year.
3. Mississippi accounts for almost 4,000 abortions every year.
4. Add em up and you get almost 80,000 abortions being performed each year in these three states.
5. Divide 80,000 by 365 days in a year and that equal 220 abortions every single day.

So every day that these states continue to keep their abortion clinics closed, there are 220 potential human lives being saved!

Wow! Say that again! As many as 220 babies saved every day!

So in two months time, that means potentially 13,000 babies could be saved from being murdered in the name of “choice.”

Now consider that as I write this article the COVID-19 outbreak has been here in the U.S. for about two months and there have been somewhere around 1,000 deaths so far.

Now some may deride me for even making such comparisons, saying that both COVID-19 and abortion are bad and that it is not productive to make such extreme comparisons in such trying times.

I don’t care.

Some of you may even believe that abortion is viable healthcare and should be allowed no matter the circumstances.

If so, may God have mercy on you.

But again, who am I to judge, right?

Nobody. I’m nobody.

But God … He is Somebody, and He has the right to judge because He is the Judge of all the earth. And He will do right. He will judge us eventually for how we have allowed this demonic practice to continue for so long.

Just listen to how God really feels about abortion.

“They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.”

“Thus they became unclean by their acts,
and played the whore in their deeds.

Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people,
and he abhorred his heritage.”

Psalm 106:37-40

America … we have been sacrificing our sons and daughters upon the altars of demons for too long. Our land has become polluted with innocent blood, and we will give an account for the blood we have spilled or for standing idly by under our watch.

Maybe if we were as convicted and concerned about the senseless, tragic murder of innocent blood in our nation as we are about a moderate virus, we could begin saving countless lives every day.

That’s my judgment.

And you know my judgment is true.

Wake up America!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Proverbs 9:10

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed fears for sure — some natural and reasonable and some irrational and detrimental.

God commands us over 350 times in Scripture, “do not fear… do not be afraid.”

As believers, we preach that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and of self-control [2 Timothy 1:7].

We sing songs like “Fear is Liar,” and we love faith-filled movies like Courageous.

But at the same time, the Bible says that fear is a good thing — specifically the fear of the LORD.

The fear of the LORD is the very beginning of knowledge and wisdom in God’s sight. So there is at least one type of fear that is good and godly.

So which is it? Is fear good or bad? Is fear a liar or the beginning of wisdom? How are we supposed to fear God and at the same time not be afraid?

Fear is the Opposite of Faith

From beginning to end the core message of the Scriptures is that the righteous shall live by faith. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We are save by grace through faith, and we walk daily by faith in a personal relationship with God.

Our faith is ultimately trusting in who God is — His nature and character — and believing that what God has said is true — His promises and commandments.

Fear and worry and anxiety are the opposite of faith because they are at the heart of unbelief. Unbelief is the greatest sin because it is the root of all other sins.

Fear says that God can’t be trusted and that His word is a lie.

That is why fear is the opposite of faith and why it is sinful to dwell in fear. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Another word for faith is trust, as we read in the well-known proverb.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

The Fear of the LORD is Good

If we continue reading in Proverbs 3, however, the very next verse commends the fear of the LORD.

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.”

Proverbs 3:7

The Scriptures abound with warnings against the attitudes of pride and arrogance and deliberate disobedience. The Word reminds us often that God is holy and forever righteous and that He must be revered, respected, and honored as Creator and Judge of all the earth. For it is a “dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” [Hebrews 10:31].

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matthew 10:28

So what is different about the sin of fear and the fear of the LORD?

One word … perspective.

Sinful fear forces us to take our eyes off of Jesus and quench the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Sinful fear gives way to the ever changing circumstances of life, leaving us on shaky ground. Sinful fear doubts the nature of God and portrays Him as a promise breaker and lousy father.

Godly fear, however, produces a healthy and holy attitude in our hearts and keeps us forever humble before the Almighty. Godly fear keeps our focus on God Himself and reminds us daily that we must all give an account to Him on that Day.

Godly fear places us on solid ground, as we build our lives upon the Rock of God’s word and revere Him enough to be doers of the word and not hearers only.

Godly fear produces a deep respect in our hearts for God, knowing that He is justified in casting us into hell, but at the same time produces an even deeper love in our hearts for our Heavenly Father, knowing that He has graciously provided the way for our salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

So as we navigate this fearful time together, remember … have faith in God and don’t be afraid.

But never forget that you cannot even begin to understand anything about this life until you first fear of the LORD.

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.“

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Tomorrow morning will be a first for me.

For the first time in my life — and certainly since becoming a pastor — the corporate body of Christ will be neglecting to meet together on the Lord’s Day. For a man who places the highest priority on corporate worship and fellowship with church family, this will be one of the most difficult days of my life.

I intend to be raw and unfiltered here, as I am using this post an outlet to process my thoughts and emotions.

First, I need to provide some context. I try to avoid looking at life strictly through modern, Western, “American” lenses because the church in this nation in no way reflects the church in other parts of the world. Following Jesus costs us little in America. We can go to church and be a “Christian” in America without really sacrificing any conveniences or giving up any comforts. I’m not trying to give a guilt trip. I’m just telling the truth.

Unfortunately, a consumer culture and a spirit of entertainment drives much — if not most — of evangelical America today. This, of course, is in stark contrast to the persecuted church around the world, where believers count the cost before following Jesus and are willing to give their own lives if necessary to meet together just to pray and study God’s word.

“Resist the devil, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 

1 Peter 5:9-10

Just consider this map from Voice of the Martyrs that helps put the persecuted church into perspective.

I guess what I am saying is that our brothers and sisters all over the world have been taking risks in the face of danger and walking in radical obedience for generations because they have embraced one very important principle of faith. No matter the cost … Jesus is worth it.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”

Matthew 24:9

Now I get it. We still have religious liberty in America. I’m fully aware of that. I understand that at least for now, we still are able to peaceably assemble and freely worship — despite the fact we have used our freedom as a license to sin and grow spiritually apathetic.

So could the coronavirus shake up actually get our attention and help us learn to appreciate the blessing of corporate worship even more? Will we miss the personal presence and intimate fellowship of gospel community so much that our desire to meet grows even stronger?

Maybe.

Or will this season of social isolation, impersonal online streaming, and digital sharing actually become the new normal and feed into our sinful appetites of selfishness, laziness, and unwillingness to make commitments.

Only time will tell.

Second, I need to speak to this mantra going around that the church is not a building and that the body of Christ is not limited to our regular Sunday morning worship services. On the one hand, I completely agree with these sentiments, primarily because they are Biblical.

Of course the church — ekklesia — is not a building. The church is the blood bought, Spirit filled, born again people of God. Believers become the temple of God as individuals — so that wherever we go, God goes. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer.

I understand that this temporary quarantine will give families a chance to worship at home together. I hope they will. It gives believers a chance to be reminded of the personal presence of God, no matter where we are. That is certainly important.

I realize that the early church met house to house (still somewhat corporate) and also met corporately in the temple courts. It was both/and, not either/or [see Acts 2:46-47].

But I also see churches misapplying this idea of “the church is not a building” simply to justify shutting down the corporate gatherings and downplay the power of the corporate assembly of God’s people. Sure we can worship God anywhere and sure our families should be coming together to worship at home anyway and sure Jesus goes with us wherever we go.

But none of these truths are meant to be realized and practiced at the exclusion of corporate worship and Christian community. There is tremendous power in numbers. As a matter of fact, when Paul reminded the believers in Corinth, “you are God’s temple,” he used the plural pronoun for you. That means he was directly speaking to them about the corporate church and the gathering of God’s people!

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

There is power in the corporate church singing the gospel out loud as one voice together each Sunday!

There is power in the body of Christ gathering to hug and pray and praise and study the Word of God.

There is power in the body gathering to serve the community as the hands and feet of Jesus.

There is power in local churches submitting to the public preaching of the gospel under the leadership of their pastors, teachers and elders.

Not to mention, what about the marginalized, the single mothers, the widows, and others who depend week in and week out on their church family because they don’t have anyone else? What about them? What kind of message are we sending to them?

What about the recovering addict that needs the weekly accountability and encouragement from his church family? What about the new Christian who is struggling with falling back into the world and who needs to know her church is always there when temptation comes calling?

I understand that most of these scenarios and situations can be addressed without a meeting place or a regular weekly gathering, but then again, there is great risk that they won’t.

And honestly, as a pastor, I must admit that most church members already struggle to faithfully and sacrificially give to the Lord and support the ministry of the local church. What kind of effect will this season of isolation have on giving?

So as I preach God’s word to an empty house tomorrow morning, I will be wrestling with all of these thoughts and emotions.

I pray that this season is short, but if not, I pray that God will use it to create an even deeper desire in His people to never again forsake the assembly of meeting together. Sometimes we never know what we’ve got until it’s gone.

We are God’s temple — collectively and corporately. The body of Christ is meant to operate together — both in the Spirit but also in the flesh. We are both body and spirit. Jesus came to this world in the flesh to walk among us, touch and hug, heal and help, laugh and cry. God did not remain far away, separated from us, but the entire gospel message is that our God entered into our world and came near to us. That is why I am so torn right now, as I stare this spirit of fear and isolation in the face.

Just think about this one last thought before I go.

What if you were in these very same circumstances and you were told today that you had to be separated and isolated from your immediate family for the next two weeks? What if the government told you that you couldn’t see your spouse or children for the next 15 days? What if you were told you could only have limited interaction with your family through “distance communication” for the next 30 days?

What would stop you from getting back to your husband, wife, or children? What would keep you from doing everything in your power just to be together with them during this difficult time?

For many of God’s children, church family is the only real family they have.

Maybe we should stop and consider such things next time before forsaking the assembling together.

God have mercy on us.

Give us this day our daily bread …

Pray without ceasing …

Matthew 6:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

God is teaching me more with each passing day. As fast as the world keeps changing around us, God keeps reminding me how He is always the same. God is the one constant through all of this. He is the Rock.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

So today I will share with you what God has shown to me. If there has been one mantra that I keep preaching to myself it is this … One day at a time.

Without knowing what tomorrow will bring, God had to remind us that He is the only One we can really trust. Every day brings new challenges, new decisions, new information, new normals, and God remains right here — present, available, and full of mercy and grace.

The stress of this crisis has caused us all to evaluate what matters most. All of a sudden, the “stuff” we thought was important in our lives is not that important after all. We have been forced to think about the basics — the bare essentials. Food, water, medicine, and shelter are top priority.

So what are we to do?

Give us our Daily Bread

We must remember who God really is — our Heavenly Father — and we are to trust Him to give us this day … our daily bread.

As we walk with God by faith we are asking Him to provide what we need for this day. Just enough for today, LORD. Tomorrow will have enough trouble of its own.

Of course, this truth should be applied physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally, and mentally. Whatever it is that we need, God is there to remind us … “I AM!”

It is so comforting to know that we have a God who cares for us and has promised never to leave or forsake us. We have a God who is with us always, and He is the One leading us, protecting us, and if necessary … carrying us through these difficult days.

This current crisis has given a whole new meaning to the words of Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

John 6:35

So this is our chance to put those words into practice and trust God to provide … our daily bread. Yes, we need food to live, but man does not live by bread alone. We live by every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God!

Therefore, we need God’s word today more than we need food, and if you have a Bible in your possession or Scripture written on your heart, you will never run out of the bread of life.

Prayer is our Spiritual Breath

The coronavirus is known to attack the respiratory system especially hard. One of the most common symptoms is difficulty breathing. We all know how vital oxygen is to our lungs. We might be able to live a few weeks without food, but we can’t live a few minutes without air.

The Bible reminds us that God has given us spiritual breath that is just as vital to our soul as oxygen is to our lungs.

Prayer.

As long as we have breath … let us pray.

As long as you are alive … don’t stop praying.

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.“

Luke 18:1

We will die without prayer. We will first weaken, then collapse, and then we will lose hope. And without hope … we can’t live another second.

The Scriptures command us to pray without ceasing. Prayer is our lifeline to the God we love. Prayer is God’s gift to us to get us through times like these. He bids us to come and seek His face, and we do so knowing that He has made Himself available to His children through the mighty name of Jesus Christ!

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-16

As we take this crisis day by day — one day at a time — we do so knowing that God has provided everything we need, and so much more.

He gives us our daily bread and nourishes us with His holy word.

He reminds us with every breath that He is near, even dwelling within us through His Spirit.

Talk to Him today. Call upon Him in faith. Rest secure in His presence and rejoice in His perfect love.

And when tomorrow becomes today … let us do it all over again!

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

To all my brothers and sisters in Christ …

It’s time we had a talk.

We need to make sure that we maintain our proper perspective through all of this uncertainty. If there is anyone who should have certainty in an uncertain world, it is the child of God. Anything less is a misrepresentation of the Christian faith and of the Lord Jesus Himself.

So … let me ask a very important question, but before you answer, I only ask that you stop and really think about it first.

Ok. Here goes. Here is my question.

All things considered, what is the worst that can happen?

In all seriousness — for all the followers of Christ in the world — what is the worst thing that can happen to you?

As I watch the way the world is reacting in the midst of this crisis, I expect fear and panic and self-preservation to be the natural response. But as I watch how the church in the U.S. is reacting to this invisible enemy, I can’t help but wonder how so many have lost their perspective.

So I would like to help us all regain a proper perspective — an eternal perspective.

The Proper Perspective

Ok, so what is the worst that can happen? Let us count the ways!

DEATH

Is dying the worst thing that can happen for a child of God?

Hardly.

Can we go ahead and face the possibility that any of us could die from anything at anytime? Ok. Glad that’s over.

Now, in the most unlikely of circumstances, if one of us just happens to catch this cursed virus and dies, that would not even be close to the worse thing that could happen for a believer in Jesus.

In fact, the Bible says that for those who have received eternal life in Christ, “TO DIE IS GAIN!“[Philippians 1:21] For the Christian, death is only the doorway that we step through that brings us into the presence of God. That means that when we die, we GAIN GOD! Last time I checked, dwelling with God for all eternity was the BEST thing that could ever happen to any of us.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

SUFFERING

Ok. Maybe death isn’t that bad for the Christian, but what about suffering? What if one of us catches this virus and suffers chronic pain? What if one of our loved ones gets sick and we have to watch them suffer? What if we run out of food and starve? Is that the worst thing that can happen? Once again, NO. IT’S NOT!

The Bible tells us to “rejoice in our sufferings” [Romans 5:3] and to “give thanks in every circumstance” [1 Thessalonians 5:18], for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. God uses the sufferings of this present life to draw us closer to Him and teach us greater dependence upon Him. God provides sufficient grace and produces character and hope in us through suffering — to the point that when we are at our weakest, God’s power is working at its strongest [2 Corinthians 12:9-10]. God never allows a season of suffering to go to waste in the life of one of His children.

Ultimately, when we share in the sufferings of Christ, we are able to identify with Jesus on an entirely new level of intimacy and experience His presence like ever before. We become more like Jesus through suffering than we ever would have otherwise. Suffering is hard, even unbearable at times, but God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purposes. Especially suffering.

FINANCIAL RUIN

The economic impact of this global crisis has yet to be determined, but many estimators say that we could be headed for another recession or Great Depression. Is losing your job and retirement and house and all financial security the worst thing that can happen to a believer? NOT EVEN CLOSE!

As a matter of fact, the Bible speaks about the dangers of self-sufficiency, spiritual complacency, and false security that so often accompany our financial stability. And I don’t care who you are, if you are an American citizen, you are “rich” in comparison to the rest of the world. We have lived in excess and affluence so long in this nation that it has become one of the biggest stumbling blocks to our faith. As Paul says, “for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” [1 Timothy 6:7-8].

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

1 Timothy 6 17-19

Sometimes our false securities must be stripped away before we will ever come to realize that God is enough and that He is our greatest treasure.

Those are the big three “worst-case” scenarios that many are fretting over right now. Of course there could be more, but before I go, I would like to share with you just some of the ways I would answer the question above.

The Tragedy of a Missed Opportunity

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

I agree that the worst thing that could happen to anyone is to die … without Christ.

Nothing else in this world matters. How many people around us are dying in their sins, separated from God? How many of our loved ones are in jeopardy of facing God in judgment with no Advocate? That should terrify us.

Every day that goes by where we fail to share the gospel is a day wasted and an opportunity missed. Souls are at stake. Eternity is hanging in the balance.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is for believers to misrepresent Jesus Christ and disgrace the One who died in our place.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is for God’s children to disappoint their Heavenly Father by allowing the cares and worries of this world to overwhelm them.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is that we doubt God, even for one second.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is for a lost and dying world to witness the people of God behaving just like everyone else — or even worse!

I think one of the worst things that could happen is for God’s people to allow fear and worry to dictate how they respond in the face of danger, instead of standing firm in the faith and remaining strong and courageous at this time.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is for the body of Christ to become further marginalized and isolated during the time when we need to come together the most.

I think one of the worst things that could happen is that God’s people fail to take advantage of one of the greatest opportunities in our lifetime to share the love of Christ and shine the light of Christ in a dark and hopeless world.

There are plenty worse things than suffering and dying.

Brothers and sisters in Christ … it’s time we start living like it.