The government says I have to stay at home to stop the spread of the Wuhan virus in our community. They recommend social distancing, which means I shouldn’t get too close to others, so I don’t make this terrible situation worse. It seems reasonable to limit my potential exposure to virus carriers so I don’t unknowingly infect others.
I went to the grocery store to buy a few things and the panic was obvious. Shoppers were lined up with overflowing baskets and the shelves were being emptied faster than they could restock. I felt a sense of urgency come over me, even though we had enough supplies at home to carry us for a while. Toilet tissue and water were going fast, so I bought some “just in case.” Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer were long gone. Limitations on purchases were posted, but they were too late. Things started getting serious when the restaurants were ordered to close their dining facilities. We celebrated our granddaughter’s birthday just before the law took effect. The normally busy restaurant had a fraction of the customers they normally have, but this is anything but normal. Many places changed to takeout and to-go service only.
I’m retired, so the mass layoffs won’t hurt my income, but will hurt our family and friends. The government is making plans to help people and the hardest hit businesses, but it won’t be enough. As I watch our economy crash right before my eyes, I wonder what I can do to help.
The answer is found in the Bible. JESUS said love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is… love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mar 12:30-31 KJV). I know and try to follow these scriptures, but this is an emergency! What is the “emergency” plan? Don’t we need a new law or a task force or something? Jesus said “There is none other commandment greater than these” so they are the emergency plan. When JESUS gave that answer, Israel was in the midst of a living nightmare! Hunger, disease, slavery, Roman oppression and rebellion were part of their daily lives, but JESUS told them to love GOD and love their neighbor. He could have said anything but told them that. Why?
Because included in “loving GOD” is obeying His will, which also includes loving others. So that is what I can do and should have been doing all along. This “emergency” should wakeup everyone who is not “loving GOD with all” their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is serious, because ours eternity and many other’s hangs is the balance. In addition, though it was covered in the first verse, JESUS told us how much to love our neighbor. Out of everything He could have said, He placed that second on the list! “As much as ourselves” is a lot of love! If you think that is asking a lot, wait until you find who your neighbor is!
You can only follow these commandments with GOD’s help and through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, after accepting JESUS as your Savior! I guess that should give you something to keep you busy while you are off from “work.”
Wayne Lance (2020)