Discipleship in Crisis

There is no doubt that our society is experiencing unprecedented uncertainty.  The rapid rise of COVID-19 has seen people purchasing household items and food at alarming rates, leaving store shelves empty of basic goods and rationing of potentially life saving medicines.  In the land of mateship and a fair go we have witnessed widespread selfishness and opportunistic profiteering which has left many of us bewildered and breathless, and so soon after the generosity displayed during the bush fire crisis just a few short weeks ago.  The media is updating us around the clock of developments across the globe, and our Government is rapidly tightening border control, internal movement and access to public gatherings.  Right now, the cultural response contains a lot of fear and political wrangling - we need to be wary of both. Fear doesn’t stay at fear, it quickly turns into anxiety, stress, selfishness, and even anger; and none of these glorify God.  So how should we as disciples of Jesus respond in this rapidly changing environment?


Firstly to quote a member of QLD Health “We can not pour from an empty bucket”; self care is important!  Be fed with the word of God daily, follow all guidelines for health and hygiene, get plenty of rest and remember to wash your hands (Christians believe in both the power of prayer and soap!) 
Then you can:

• Love your neighbour: keep an eye on neighbours and friends.  Set up a street Facebook page or text circle so that if someone is isolated or needs help then another member of the group can lend a hand.  This breaks down barriers and builds community which is the environment in which discipleship will flourish naturally.
• Use technology old and new:  Drop “praying for you” cards in the letter boxes of those who are isolated.  Pick up the phone and check on elderly and/or isolated members of the congregation and/or those known to us.  Use social media to be proactive with positive information, good gossip (positive news), and encouraging passages of scripture.
• Pray: Pray for the sick and vulnerable. Pray for families who have lost loved ones and for God to draw a line with this pandemic.  Pray for wisdom for our leaders at all levels of Government. Pray for Healthcare workers.  Pray for hearts to be turned to God - that those far from God will come near to God as they search for certainty in an uncertain world. And most importantly pray that God be glorified in all things and at all times.
• Be ready to share the reason for your peace and certainty:  If you stand firm on the Rock of your salvation, if you experience and demonstrate His peace, if you love and step forward whilst others hoard and isolate; then people will ask you what sets you apart, and that is where we may share our faith and hope with those who are lost.

Christians throughout the ages have faced uncertain times, from plagues and persecution to cold wars and atomic bombs.  It is in these times and places that we have seen hearts changed and Christianity flourish.  For almost 2000 years, whenever fear and anxiety has arisen Christians have stepped in where the culture around them had stepped out. 
And we can do the same today! 

Let’s work to His praise and Glory in all times and in all places.
Jen