What Hasn't Changed?

Here’s a great question to be asking right now:  What hasn’t changed?

Because it feels like everything has changed.  The coronavirus struck and, presto, within weeks we go from a stable and familiar way of life to massive disruption.  It’s like someone grabbed the world and flipped it upside-down.  Now the media overflows with COVID-19 coverage.  And schools close, churches go virtual, and travel, sports, entertain­ment, restaurants, and all non-life-sustaining businesses go dark.  And we all go home.  It feels like everything has changed.

Now don’t get me wrong:  I’m not suggesting the closures, quaran­tines, and radical social distancing are in error.  All of these dramatic measures are understandable—because COVID-19 definitely IS a big threat.  We need the information.  Society needs national, state, and local leadership to help us all contribute toward the solution and not the problem.  We need to accept the terms of this new way of life for the time being—and it may go on for a while.

But here’s my concern:  As we rightly make these enormous adjust­ments, we’re tempted to let them completely consume our minds and hearts and vision and imagination.  We’re tempted to let these stunning changes swallow us up.  But don’t allow it.  On the basis of God’s Word, keep your head about you.  Remember what you know.

Remember what hasn’t changed.  We must not lose sight of realities that remain unchanged, unfazed, undisturbed—now and always.

Erik Raymond names three profoundly important things that never change:  Your God, your vulnerability, and your opportunity—they are constants, even in a day of pandemic.

“God doesn’t change. He doesn’t need updates, go out of date, get better, or depreciate. He is and forever will be the eternal, “I am!” He is perfect…. His promises are as true and fixed as his character. This is good news in the midst of a constantly evolving news story.”

What’s more, Mark 14:38 has always been true:  Jesus charges his disciples, “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Raymond adds, “Yes, the virus is dangerous. But you mustn’t forget your vulnerability to greater danger in the spiritual realm.”

And there will always be opportunities to glorify God.  “Our reflex is to take cover, but God may be calling us to take the opportunity.  Our opportunity now is to consider how we can glorify God by loving those around us.  How can you love your family, your church, your neighbors, and friends? Brainstorm and make a list. Invite others into the collaborative process. Pray and ask God to help you not to waste your quarantine.”

“It’s obvious that the coronavirus has changed many things about how we live. But it’s also important to remember what hasn’t changed so we can faithfully respond in these difficult times.”