WS Chronicle

By Bruce Boyer 

COVID-19 has caused the world to make major changes to daily routines and there are many things we cannot do at this time. Instead of lamenting about the restrictions, let us focus on important lessons learned. Make no mistake about it: God is at work during this time, accomplishing His purposes. 

Being in a higher risk age category with the coronavirus, my wife Kathy and I have played it safe. For more than two months we have stayed close to home and have kept our distance from others. Here are some of the positive God-inspired lifestyle changes I have observed. Perhaps you are experiencing them, too.

Family is a priority. When many of our activities are stripped away, what do we have left?  Family. Thanks to technology, we are able to keep in touch with family through Zoom and other communication apps. Family is a God-given gift that we have come to appreciate even more at a time like this. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Appreciate those closest to you. God gave me the blessing of a wonderful wife. Kathy has done a marvelous job planning and providing a variety of meals even though we had limited options for grocery shopping. She has also planted a garden for healthy eating during the summer. I have come to appreciate family time at the dinner table even more because I’m not running off to meetings. Because of the absence of distractions, families are spending much more time together. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).  

All people are important. Even though we try to be self-sufficient, we have come to appreciate the services others provide. The grocery and drug stores, our church and our town government have continued to function. Healthcare providers have made great sacrifices to treat the sick. Parents have become more appreciative of the role and challenges of teachers when they have to homeschool their own children. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all (Proverbs 22:2).  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

People are willing to step up and help us during our time of need. During the past several months there have been times when we needed something that would have required interaction at retail stores and our friends have done the specialty shopping for us. It is a way they have chosen to serve others. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17).

This is a great time to do the tasks I have put off. There are no excuses for not having the time to do something around home that needs to be done. Postponed yard projects are getting done this year. Chances are, if you are not doing something now, it is because you don’t want to do the task, not because you don’t have the time. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40).

There are some benefits to slowing down. I can remember when I was working, how I would squeeze in appointments on my calendar, even though doing so sacrificed family time or added to personal stress. I appreciate having the time now to slow down. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11:28-30).

Separating wants and needs. During this time of restricted activity, we have managed just fine. We have come to realize that we don’t need everything and are still doing OK. Some things, such as watching every big televised sporting event, aren’t missed as much as we thought. We should be content with what we have because we know that God is meeting our needs. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).   

God is present in our home life, too. We are loyal in our church attendance, but during this stay-at-home time we have worshiped and attended Bible classes remotely. Participating online didn’t deter us from seeking God’s Word and direction for our lives. In effect, we have invited the Holy Spirit into our homes. I was amazed at Easter in how many people professed their faith on social media. … But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

Making changes permanent. Let us continue with the positive changes we have made over the past few weeks. Each is evidence that God is working through the coronavirus time. God finds a way to make good things happen during this bad situation. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

When conditions improve, allowing us to physically be out in the community, I am hopeful that we won’t revert to the harried pace of life. Activity will increase, but perhaps we will have learned some lessons and made some positive priority changes to our lives. I hope we will appreciate the people who indirectly and directly served us during our time of need.  

Bruce Boyer is the author of two Christian devotional books,  “24/7 Stories of Faith from Everyday Life” and “Touchpoints of Faith.” He is a retired executive of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce.