The governor of Illinois just put the entire state under “shelter in place” due to COVID-19. Very interesting times we now live in. This a pandemic virus, meaning this virus is world-wide and is in very large numbers affecting people, especially the older populations – to the point of death. Italy and Spain are on country lock downs, NYC, San Francisco are on city lock downs and now the State of Illinois as a whole is on lock down. 

What does this mean? Only essential type jobs are allowed to work. These are first-responders, medical workers, grocery stores, etc. Most everything else will be closed. You are to stay home when you can. You may go hiking, walking, etc. just remain 6 feet apart and keep hands washed. You can purchase groceries and medicines, but not much else. This will be in affect until April 7, 2020 – or otherwise told. 

Or in other words: do you want to stay healthy? Don’t go near big groups of people, stay away from other sick people and be sure to keep yourself cleaned and cared for. 

Honestly, none of the above is my frustration. What is frustrating me is watching how social media / “Christians” react to all of this. Some think its all fake, some think its planned to reduce the population. Others say that this is how the government plans to take all of our freedoms. Plus many are seizing the opportunity to blame the president, governors and other politicians for this horrible virus that has killed 201 people in the United States of America and currently 15, 219 people have this virus. 

As an American, as a Christian and as a Pastor – I expect MORE out of my fellow Christians! Now is not the time to criticize which political leader or party is doing good or bad. Now is not the time to belittle, bully, name call or poke fun at our political system. I am even seeing people complain about airlines, the cruise industry and how this whole thing will inconvenience them and their trips! We can’t forget the hoarding of food, cleaners and toilet paper let alone the price gouging online and even at some stores. Before Ebay and Amazon put a stop to it, people were charging $100’s for small bottles of hand sanitizers and toilet paper!

We are a country that is out of control, panic stricken and living in fear! What bothers me most about this is the amount of so-called “Christians” I see participating in and living in this fear, even adding to the panic. Even worse, Christian leaders and pastors that have decided even after strong CDC recommendations to not gather in groups of 10 or more, still choose to have church. People we need to wake up, Christians – we need to wake up! It is biblical to follow these rules set before us:

Romans 13:1-5 13  “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”

It is also wise to follow these rules to protect His people from catching the virus. It is also wise to follow these rules to protect first-repsonders as well, if you need an ambulance, you are putting people at risk! Pastors, there are too many options to do your sermons online these days, no excuses to be had, if you don’t know how to do this – contact me and I will help! 

Christians, I implore you to stop the non-sense and be the LIGHT that we are called to be. The world is now watching every Christian on a very large “stage.” How we appear, how we talk, how and what we post, how we follow the rules – ALL of it is now being watched and seen. We do not need to live in fear. We do not need to live in panic. We do not need to live in the state of causing more darkness, confusions and misrepresenting our God. 

THIS is OUR TIME. This is OUR opportunity to SHOW the world that the God we serve, the God we worship, the God we ultimately depend on and pray to is faithful and loving. The world needs to see Him through us. The world needs to see His LIGHT through you and me. What do you say? Do we represent Him or cater to the world? Do we show the world through prayers, faith, charity and love that HE will reign. He will hear our prayers and He will do things through each of us. Or would you prefer to cater to the world, prove them right and give the devil a bigger foothold?

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.  The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”