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Peace and Contentment During the Coronavirus
I said awhile back that things will begin heating up as people get sick of staying indoors and not engaging in the materialism that formerly kept them occupied. This is not to say anything against those who are frustrated by being out of work; some of the people protesting the stay-at-home orders have legitimate grievances. On the other hand, many of the protestors are like that woman holding a “GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH” sign in front of a Baskin Robbins or like the countless people that I’ve seen with signs complaining about needing to get their hair done.
I suppose that most people in that second camp think they belong to the first camp. There’s no gentle way to say it: wanting one or more of the 31 flavors is not a struggle. Nor is having your roots showing or having your hair touch your collar.
We Christians must snuff out such petty grievances within ourselves. The issue is not that these grievances betray a thin skin (though they do) but that they betray a worldliness that is entirely opposed to the character of Christ.
Without any further comment, let me place Philippians 4.4-13 before you. This passage is the handbook for conducting ourselves through the present crisis.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
