We are currently living in very challenging times with many voices saying many things, resulting in confusion and uncertainty; leaving many fearful as to how to navigate these unchartered waters.
Churches have had to cancel several meetings and halt or change plans to cope with directives from government.
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We are well aware that the church has had to make extraordinary decisions because we are faced with extraordinary circumstances.
The coronavirus is an extraordinary virus and therefore we need extraordinary measures.
According to Dr SY Govender, a medical doctor and world-renowned apostle, quarantine is an unusual measure that was not instituted by civil government but by God himself.
Therefore, the principle of quarantine is a biblical principle.
To be quarantined means to be isolated from the infected in order to be protected from the spread of infection.
It also means to isolate the uninfected to protect them from becoming infected.
Unfortunately, we have come into a season of great apostasy and antinomianism (rejection of law and moral values) where people disregard the laws of God.
The Old Testament law has not been cancelled but is fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament, through the dispensation of grace (Romans 3:31).
The crises we face are unprecedented in our generation.
In this context the church must be redefined.
The church is not a building but a people who are known for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our primary source is the Bible – the Word of God. The righteous shall live by faith.
This faith, which comes from the knowledge of the Word of God, must guide us at all times.
Spiritual heads of individual households of must give direction from the Bible to those under their care; not personal opinions but godly counsel and clear instruction.
To do this these spiritual heads must themselves be in a focused and accurate place with God.
These are extremely testing times and in some respects, almost apocalyptic. Fear and panic have gripped the world.
Political leaders are trying their best to deal with the situation the world finds itself in.
The well-being of our people is of paramount importance and even though structured meetings have been halted, social media allows us as leaders to maintain regular contact with the people, whilst practicing social distancing.
Let’s stop spreading facts and figures about Covid-19 – information which is available to all anyway – and let’s rather encourage the spread of faith, hope and the love of God.
These too are contagious and perhaps much more needed right now!
Be wise, sanitize regularly, travel only if necessary and return to the safety of your home as soon as you can.
Reset your calendars. Redefine the whole culture of work, travel and relationships.
Many of us have become prisoners to a lifestyle of busyness – now is an ideal time to detox and learn how to rest in the midst of the storm.
Return to the secret place of prayer, meditation and studying the Word of God.
Review family time by renewing interaction with your spouse and children.
Reprioritise social values by shifting attention from self to others. There are so many who need our encouragement, care and love.
Let’s give of ourselves – it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Let’s discipline ourselves as we seek the Lord and not be overcome by fear. We will overcome this pandemic.
(Submitted by Pastor Reggie John, Gates Ministries, Port Shepstone)
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