Reading Time: 4:00
Everyone seems to be weighing in on the COVID-19 Virus that is spreading throughout the world. I really don’t have enough knowledge to comment nor am I in a position to direct, so let me just say to follow the advice you are given from those who do know and those who are in authority to decide. That being said, I just want to quote what the Bible says about fear.
The quote I’m sharing is from the Apostle Peter and it’s in the context of women submitting to their husbands and trusting the Lord for consideration and protection. That’s another conversation in and of itself. However, I just want to pull the advice Peter gives at the end of the verse and show you how it pertains to all of us. In obeying others you have nothing to worry about, “…if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.” (1st Peter 3:6 NIV) Further, we are commanded to obey those who are over us in civil authority and religious guidance.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.”
Hebrews 13:17 KJV
Leadership in these days is especially difficult. The situations our leaders deal with are immense and everyone has an opinion about what needs to be done. There are also those who undermine the integrity of our leadership and take advantage of emergency situations. Allowing our leaders to trust in our obedience and submission will allow them to make informed and reliable decisions as things progress.
What amazes me in the times we live in is the mistrust and often absolute rebellion against those who are over us. This does not produce in them the consideration we need as they make decisions that affect our lives. They must know that we are laboring to comply and all the while helping and providing for one another in times of duress.
Sometimes when the enemy is a work of nature, we forget the unpredictability of this and begin to make enemies out of those who are handling (or mishandling) the crisis. Let’s get over the idea that leaders cause or compound the crisis and take the attitude of what we can do to minimize what they have to deal with.
I remember an America that was willing to repeatedly bear up under difficult times and looked to our leaders for a pathway back to wholeness. However, with the demonizing of our political system, we have broken down our confidence that they have our best interest at heart.
Compounding this is the massive wave of fear that seems to accompany anything that we may have to deal with in our lives. Thank God our medical workers continue to “do what is right and do not give way to fear.” They continue to fight on the front lines of our health crisis and put themselves at risk on a daily basis.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
ut of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2nd Timothy 1:7 KJV
I do not set myself up as a leader in this crisis. I simply look to those who are our leaders and pray that God give them the wisdom to do what is of most benefit to our land and people. Because of this, I humbly submit to their guidance and temporary restrictions as they work through the process of finding the best answer to advert and minimize this crisis and the many more that will follow.
The more I look to God to belay my fears (as Peter instructed the women of his day) the more I find that we are all struggling to know what to do. In any given situation we are hoping our decisions and our actions will work out for the best for everyone. That is if we continue to “do what is right and do not give way to fear.”
My final comment is actually what Paul explained to Bishop Timothy as he shrove to provide good leadership for the churches of Ephesus:
“Keep your head in all situations.”
2nd Timothy 4:5 NIV
Pastor Brian Jenkins
Calvary Assemblies of God