As society tries to get a handle on the spread of the coronavirus, how do we seize this moment to help our family, friends and co-workers move past merely taking precautions from being infected by this virus to taking this time to consider the condition of their souls?  

As a Church

We are able to model our God-given role in society – “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work…” (Titus 3:1). We have the opportunity to serve our community by suspending our Sunday Assembly in order to constrain the possible spread of the virus.  In this way, we are a force for good in our community. Even in this small way, we are creating a platform for the message of the Gospel to gain credibility among our neighbors. Take time on Sunday – that you would normilly would be at Church, to talk to neighbors and those in your community. Look for opportunities…    

As Individuals

We can engage with people as to their greater need for Christ in our neighborhood and at various locations around our community. 

How?  Have you noticed the level of panic already on display in your community?  What you are seeing is the unveiling of what has always been true – the illusion that we are in control.  The reality is that none of us have the level of control that we often think we have.  The illusion of control keeps us all from being crushed under the weight of our own inabilities.  However, in moments like these, the Lord in His kindness allows many people to realize their own mortality in vivid and dramatics ways.  Frankly, I can’t remember a moment in my lifetime in which so many people have felt so vulnerable. Expressions of this vulnerability and desperation are revealed in stores selling out of products to school closings to wholesale cancelations of national and local sporting events. It is in this moment we can turn the conversation from preventing illness to preparing for eternity. Through the prayerful prodding of family, friends, and co-workers, we can engage in Gospel conversations!

Gospel Conversations

When you are shopping, enter into conversations through asking questions like: “What do you think the greatest fear is that people have?” The obvious response will be something like, “The fear of dying!” In response, you could say, “What do you think happens when someone dies?” Then enter into a conversation and introduce them to the hope that you have in Jesus’ defeating death through providing a forgiveness for sins. Another question could be, “If you could only have access to purchase one thing, what would that be?” While the replies could vary, you could respond by saying, “there is one thing I am sure we all need…” and then transition into how you trust in the Lord. To the conspiracy theorist, ask them about where they think the virus came from and then reveal to them the birthplace of all the problems that humanity face – our desire to be Creator instead of God’s creation as we see in Genesis 2-3. Maybe you can start a conversation in your neighbor(s) or possibly invite some neighbors over so you can get to know them better and share with them as to where your hope rests? The ideas and options are endless.

The Lord has pulled back the veil of invincibility and many people have become uniquely aware of their mortality. Take advantage of this moment to share the provision that Jesus made for you through His life and the forgiveness of sins He offers all so that death could be defeated. We can help people hear the truth, to walk in the hope that only Jesus can provide. Don’t waste this moment.