Be About the Good Work

Do you find yourself wasting time lately or wondering what you should be doing? I have talked to several people recently who have described themselves as "stir crazy." They are struggling with the reality of life in quarantine. In some ways it feels like the same day keeps repeating over and over and nothing ever changes. Contact with the outside world is often limited to virtual experiences rather than face to face interaction. Even those who are fortunate enough to be able to continue working during this pandemic find themselves working remotely with their only connection to their coworkers found in the computer and the occasional phone call. Many of them don't have enough work to do on the computer to keep themselves busy for a full work day because their job typically encompasses more than just computer work. These are some of the realities of life during this pandemic, but fear not, for God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. There is actually much to be thankful for right now.

The hustle and bustle of everyday life has been simplified. We are all focused on "essential business" only and have cut out the excess. This is true not only in your life but in most of the world right now. That is an amazing feat that could only be accomplished by God. Right now, God's power is on display as the entire world is left in a holding pattern. What else, or more accurately, Who else could have brought the world to its knees but God? Let us start by recognizing that this is all in the sovereign control of our heavenly Father. In that we can take great confidence. But, where does that leave us? What do we do with the excess time that we now have? I have a couple of suggestions.

Suggestion 1. Set the news feed aside for awhile. You don't need to binge feed on worldly gossip about the worst hit areas by covid-19 or the next great hope for a cure. Our life is certainly affected by this pandemic but it is not controlled by it. It is OK to stay up on the news and have an understanding of what is going on in the world. But it is not OK to be ruled by it. If you feel that temptation, then set the news aside. "..tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Suggestion 2. Turn off Netflix or Twitter or Facebook or whatever else is drawing your attention away from your calling. Remember the words of the apostle Paul:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

Suggestion 3. Invest some of that time in biblical pursuits. Meditate on the word of God. Yes, that's right! I am calling all of us to spend some of that excess time in the bible. From where else will we find the words of life?

Suggestion 4. Invest some of that time in service to others.

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Yes, every good work. Even now, cooped up in your house, you can be about the good work of the gospel. This will look different for all of us and will depend greatly upon your stage in life and your life circumstances, but it is there. If you live with others it may be service toward your family or teaching your children. If you are single it may be service toward a neighbor (while respecting social distance rules of course) or encouraging others with letters, emails or phone calls. Whatever that looks like for you on any given day, be about the work of God. Make the best of today while it is still today.

Remember beloved, that it is not the end of the pandemic that we are waiting for. We are not just waiting for life to get back to "normal". We have a far greater hope and reality awaiting us. This time will pass, but don't let it pass by without making the most of the opportunities that God has provided in it.

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:7-8)