Such a Time as This

3/18/2020

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

 The NIV full verse is, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence to God.” As I read this verse in its entirety, I was struck by how timely these words are; although the Bible is eternally timely and timeless.

Every person on Earth is currently living through an evil, the likes of which have not been seen in over 100 years. We are vigorously trying to shield our bodies from the contamination of a global pandemic, a virus that we have no immunity to as humans. We are practicing social distancing, telecommuting if possible, and temporarily closing down schools, businesses, and churches to try stopping the threat of this unseen and ruthless enemy. It is currently affecting every area of life, both personally and financially. We are spending tremendous amounts of time and resources fighting against this horrible contagion, but I wonder: Are we fighting as hard against the evils that can contaminate our souls? Are we focusing on God, and perfecting holiness out of reverence to Him? Chambers says, “I have to cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit until both are in accord with the nature of God.”

People will have different thoughts and feelings about the “why” of what is currently happening in our world, but one thing I feel for certain is this; God is allowing it at this period in time. Why now? Since the year 2000, there have been two other coronaviruses that have jumped from animals to humans, SARS and MERS. These both were certainly frightening, but did not create a widespread crises and panic. So, why would God allow this new virus to have a deeper impact? Is it because people are not just turning away from God, but actively battling against Him? Is it because bigotry and hatred of those unlike ourselves is beginning to rule the day? Is it because many of God’s children are largely silent in the world, becoming more and more self-contained, while others sow seeds of judgment and hate in His name?

Fellow believers, this should be a time of fasting and devoted prayer, and a time when God’s people rise up together in courage, hope, faith, and love. It is not a time to be silent and conceal the life-changing truth of the gospel contained within us, for it was never meant to be.

Now is the time to care not just for the health of our bodies, but for the health of our souls and the souls of those around us. We have an opportunity as believers to love others out loud during this nerve-wracking time, and show others that there is peace in the saving grace of our Jesus. We were called and saved for such a time as this.