Death and the Delta Variant
As people contract the virus and some die around us, we stop to evaluate life and living. As incredibly sad as this is in every way, we have an opportunity that we do not want to miss. Notice what Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes:
Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4)
Solomon reminds us that spiritually we are better served in a funeral home than at a party. Sorrow helps us more than laughter. The heart of the wise versus the heart of fools treats this time and the urgency of this pandemic differently. The heart of a wise person reflects during this time.
In the midst of this increase in positive COVID cases, we are most wise if we stop now to reflect. We take this moment to heart. If we are wise, we use the sadness in our lives for the glory of God rather than waste this moment in time. As we reflect on those whom we love dearly who have died around us, may we recognize this is the end of all men.
How Do We Respond?
Let me suggest just a few ways that we wisely respond to the deep suffering around us today.
- Look to Jesus to live. Faith in Jesus Christ for the eternal salvation of our souls is paramount. There is nothing greater than to begin with faith in Jesus Christ. Our only hope for eternal salvation and a sense of perspective for eternity begins here. Jesus explained that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
- Consider your heart and life. Are you living for Jesus? What are you doing to honor Him? Is God glorified in your body, your spirit, and your life? How are you living? Do you love God and people? Do you live a life full of worship? We need to live pure as we wait faithfully for the return of Christ.
- Understand that we all die. It is appointed unto man to die (Hebrews 9:27). Upon death, all of us face the judgment of God. What we do in the body today matters. How we respond to Jesus Christ matters. At death, all our options are over. You will have no more chances after you die. The decisions you make today regarding faith are what matter. The wise take this to heart.
- Love well. The love Jesus has for us should motivate us to love others well. Consider the needs of those around you. Let those needs burden your heart for the other person. Respond quickly and creatively to help bear the burdens of others. Do not let the opportunity to demonstrate your love for God and for your neighbor pass you (Matthew 22:38-40).
- Take advantage of your opportunities today. You only have right now. Love God and others well. Forgive those who have sinned against you. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Communicate your care and love among the living. Encourage each other in Christ. Be sensitive toward those around you.
- Pray continually. Paul commended us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 4:16). As the text says, go to God with a heart of gratitude for everything. Remember the Gospel, what God has done for you through Christ, what God has given you in the body of Christ, and the blessings of the Spirit of God in your life as you pray. Think about the concerns and heartaches of others as you pray. Ask God to grant mercy and comfort to those all around us who need it.
- Serve those around you. Find someone to serve around you. People are hurting all over. Individuals are sick. If you desire to serve, there are those all around us who need our care. Use your words and your actions to demonstrate the love of Christ to others. Do not miss this opportunity to reach out, serve, and visibly put hands and feet to the love of God in Christ (1 Peter 4:7-11).
Take Advantage of This Moment
Yes, we hurt. Some really hurt and are heartbroken.
Yes, many are fearful either for our own health or the health of one we love. We deeply desire the physical well-being of those around us.
Yes, many feel lonely as they shelter-in-place or are trying to figure out a new normal after losing a loved one. These individuals significantly struggle as they continue to bear the burden of this pandemic.
However, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, now is your time. Now is our time. We must act in courage and use our energy to serve those around us. We must also look at this situation and let it affect our hearts.
If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, now is your time as well. Do not delay one more moment. Look for God through Christ to grant you mercy for your soul eternally.
Image Credit JC Gellidon
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together