Now is Our Call to Be Christ-Like in Our Nation – Will You Answer the Call?
Never before at least in my lifetime and probably yours has the world we live in been so impacted by a single cause – The Pandemic. Of course, the domino effect of the pandemic has caused much greater suffering and death. Nowhere are many other crises related to the pandemic which have changed the world and will do so for years to come.
Beyond all the cultural and political moments, we keep hearing about, the spring of 2021 is the church’s opportunity to Honor and serve God by serving others. There are hurting, struggling, confused, and isolated people filled with anxiety, depression, increased suicides (considered or attempted), financial hardships/disasters, anger, marital discord, and relational problems. We as The Body of Christ are the only ones that that truly provide guidance and help to many of these people. The government and its programs were never intended to take the place of ALL OF US caring for and helping each other. The culture has subdued the church into complacency.
Right now, and in the months to come the entire church family needs to step deeper into each another’s lives, equipped with the hope of the gospel and empowered by the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
All of us need to reflect and then act by checking on people, listen to their struggles (mental health problems are extensive right now). Be prepared with biblical truth, gospel wisdom and hope for others by saturating yourself daily in God’s Word: read it, study it, pray through it, memorize it, meditate on it. Keep a Bible with you so you can read and pray with people. This year has been discouraging for many pastors. Without a doubt your Pastor has been argued with, ignored, treated badly, and watched as people leave the church. Go to your Pastor and ask for his help in becoming more equipped in what you can do, he would deeply appreciate that.
Now is a unique time, a time to pray. Pray that God will give you a heart of compassion and empathy that can’t help but pursue, listen, speak truth to, and be equipped for the service God has called every Christian to do.
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