All of our lives are being impacted by the Covid19 virus. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk with your children. Here are seven things your kids and grandkids need to know.
1. God is in control.
None of this is a surprise to God. This did not catch Him off guard in any way. In fact, He has allowed this virus to exist. God is not like us. He is never worried, never fearful, and never out of control. He is in charge of the history of the entire Universe, from beginning to end. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. – 1 Chronicles 29:11
2. God never wants His children to be afraid.
If we are children of the King, and the King is in full control, there is no need for fear. After all, what is the worst that can happen? We could die. What happens then? Paradise and Heaven await! Of course, we do not seek death, but Christians should never fear it. This world is not our home. Our bodies are going to break down, get sick, and die one way or another. This world is not our home. God has promised us brand new bodies in a new perfect world forever!
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. — 2 Timothy 1:7 For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. — Philippians 1:21
3. God instructs his children to be wise.
In Proverbs 22:3 God tells us, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” This is not an instruction to panic but to be wise. It is wise to wash our hands. It is wise to stay home if we are sick so that we do not put ourselves or others at risk.
4. God calls us to love our neighbors.
This is a special opportunity for followers of Jesus to demonstrate His love, humility, and compassion. Do you have elderly members of your family, church, or neighborhood? Ask how you can serve them. Are your friends or family members fearful? Encourage them to put their faith in God. For some, there will be significant financial impact during these weeks and months. If you are in a more stable financial position you can help by continuing to shop. Hopefully, you already tip generously, now is the time to be super generous. Your family can also help by contributing to trusted Christian charities who are on the front lines helping those in need.
5. God tells us to submit to the authorities
It is hard to see schools, businesses, sports teams, special events and other things that we care about being suspended or cancelled. These are difficult decisions for our government and institutional leaders. We may not like or support those decisions, but we should submit to them with a spirit that trusts that God is accomplishing His purposes. There are times when Christians should reject laws and instructions from government leaders, but only when those laws forbid us from obeying the Bible. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. – Romans 13:1-2
6. When we are anxious, God wants us to pray
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6 In every situation when we are anxious, we should pray. How should we pray in light of this virus? First, give thanks. Thank God for His power and goodness. Thank Him for your life and His blessings. Second, present your requests to Him. Pray for this virus to subside, worldwide. Pray for health and protection for your family and those in your community. Pray for God to bless and give wisdom to all our government leaders. Pray against any spirit of hatred and division. Pray for people who are lost and far from God to call out to Him and be saved. If we do these things, God promises that He will give us His peace and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
7. Share the Good News of Jesus
Those who don’t know Jesus may be especially afraid right now. They may also have a lot of questions, confusion, and even anger. When we think face sickness of any kind, our thoughts should turn to Jesus and the Gospel. Why is there sickness in the world? Because of sin. There was no sickness or death in the world until Adam and Eve sinned (Romans 5:12). Their sin (and ours) brings physical death and spiritual death in hell. It was into this world of sin that Jesus came, taking our sin, paying the price of death for us on the cross, and then conquering sin and death through his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). Jesus did not die and rise again to give us perfect health and life forever on this Earth. He has something far greater planned. These bodies are all going to die. This entire world will be wiped away. For those who have their names written in the Book of Life, they will receive new perfect bodies that will never die, and they will live forever, with God, on a brand new physical Earth forever (Revelation 21:1-8). Is your name written in the Book of Life? Are the names of your friends and family members written in the book? Share this Gospel message with them. Invite them to repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus to save them.