The gospel message is one of hope.
How many of you are personally feeling hopeful? It’s hard to feel filled with hope when you’re surrounded by fear.
My pastor tells me that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s a saying I’ve used hundreds of times in the last several years.
Now before all you jump on top of me for saying this coronavirus thing isn’t real, let me say that it’s a serious virus that our communities should take very seriously. We must be responsible and take caution concerning our interaction with one another.
But that doesn’t mean it should cause us to fear.
That’s a strange statement to be honest. Why the heck would you not fear a virus that is spreading without a cure? Because as the apostle reveals to us in Corinthians, we have an eternal perspective.
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Every pastor and priest must remember that church doors should always be open, especially in times where people are fearful and in need of hope.
The truth of eternal life should be shouted more loudly now than ever.
The hope of the cross of Christ must be proclaimed.
— Luke Macias (@lukemaciastx) March 13, 2020
This coronavirus concern isn’t going away anytime soon. But as I consider what the next several months could hold in store for us I’ve been very convicted over how little Christians, including myself, are ready to step into our role.
My prayer has become “Forgive me Lord for the fear, and instill in my heart your perspective and heart for a lost world.”
Come on church.
Now is our time to shine.