DO THE FIVE.
What we can do spiritually in this crazy time of COVID-19 Shutdown

 

Greetings Men – It seems that everywhere I look or read these days, I see the reminder ‘DO THE 5’

  1. HANDS – WASH THEM OFTEN
  2. ELBOW – COUGH INTO IT
  3. FACE – DON’T TOUCH IT
  4. SPACE – KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE
  5. HOME – STAY IF YOU CAN

As my bride and I were talking yesterday, she made me think – “What are the “5” that we can do spiritually in this crazy time of COVID-19 SHUTDOWN?” The following things from 1 Thessalonians 5 came to my mind right away:

  • 16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith

Regardless of our circumstances, we can be joyful about them. It is a choice – be unhappy and fretful or rejoice. This is not a suggestion, but a command!

  • 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer;

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have in our spiritual toolbox. Use it to pray for your family, your neighbors and your nation. Pray for others in our Men’s Group and our Church.

  • 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Give thanks. We do not have to FEEL thankful for our circumstances, but we are COMMANDED to give thanks continually. This is God’s will for us! Thankfulness has a way of changing how we look at our circumstances.

  • 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, 13 and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]

From teachers to healthcare workers to grocery store checkers to utility workers to government officials – we have come to appreciate people who enable and help us in our everyday lives. After being home with their children for 2 weeks, I read that one parent said “Teachers should be paid a million dollars a year!”. We often do not appreciate what we have until it is gone!!

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment

Finally, as we acknowledge and strengthen our trust in God by renewing our own personal spiritual strength, we need to encourage and reassure those around us that COVID-19 was not a surprise to our sovereign God. He IS in control and He CAN be trusted to see us through this.

We, especially as men, have a golden opportunity to show those around us that our trust in God is solid. He is our rock and fortress and He WILL see us through! God bless you men… Tom