How much of your recently discovered free time have you spent reading and studying from God's word to enable you to, "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15)? So many people have spent many hours lately on Netflix and other entertainment options. Have you taken advantage of the countless valuable resources available online to dig deeper into the word of God and its lessons? 365.polishingthepulpit.com, gbntv.org and thegospelofchrist.com are just a few of many resources providing sound preaching on a variety of topics. Those are in addition to the countless podcasts available from the brotherhood.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, "Pray without ceasing," yet too many Christians fail to make their prayer life a daily priority. This last two months have provided ample opportunities for us to improve and increase our prayer life. Not only should the current situation make us more acutely aware of our dependence upon God, as our "down time" has increased, our prayer life should have increased. Has yours?
Since this virus has taken center stage, a lot of attention has been given to doctors, nurses and other "essential" workers. While there is nothing wrong with appreciating the work those people do, are we remembering the missionaries who are serving in foreign countries? As difficult as your life may have become recently, think about being thousands of miles from home, often in countries who don't have the healthcare standards as we in the United States have. Are we praying for those truly essential workers?
1 Peter 4:11 should speak to Christians very loudly at this time. "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." Yes, God can and will be glorified, even in times of global concern. But that will only happen if his believers make that happen. Face to face contact may be limited but even on social media, are you commenting on the political aspects of this current crisis, or are you speaking a good word for Jesus and sharing hope to others?
If ever this is a time for the Lord's church to, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16), now is that time. Check on the widow and elderly in your neighborhood. Make sure the single parent who now has their children at home 24/7 has help, support and supplies.
These days are golden opportunities for Christians worldwide. Let's not waste time in doing what we know we should be doing. We are prepared, "for such a time as this." Make the time count.
