Covid, Christians and Conspiracy theories – pt. 2

Part Two: What Should We Be Doing?

In my initial post I talked about the need to speak truth, as well as to keep our credibility as witnesses by focusing on Jesus rather than theories. But during times like these, isn’t there more that we are to do? In this (thankfully shorter) post, I’ll offer 4 practical and Biblical things we are to do.

.

FIRST: We are to Pray.

I mentioned this in my last post so won’t take time to discuss it again, except to note a few references:

1. Jesus: “Watch and Pray” (Matt. 26:41).
2. Paul: “Be devoted to prayer being watchful and thankful” (Col 4:2).
3. Paul: “Pray for those in authority” (1 Tim 2:1-2).
4. Peter: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7).

SECOND: We are to Witness of Jesus.

This was the commission given to us by Jesus: “Go into all the world and make disciples” (Mt. 28:19). Let’s not allow the enemy to draw focus away from Jesus and on to the antichrist or towards mere theories. Let’s keep our focus on Jesus. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:3).  Let’s get back to lifting up Jesus, sharing Jesus, pointing people to Jesus during this time.

I live in a restricted country that is very much opposed to the Gospel. Our friends here – and the billions in this part of the world – don’t care two cents about one-world government theories. They barely know who Bill Gates is and aren’t concerned about the world ending. What I need to do is not present theories, but the living Jesus, who has given His powerful Spirit to testify to the truth of the Gospel message. We need to get back to doing what we have always been mandated to do: share the Gospel in the power of the Spirit.

Third, we are to live godly lives.

Peter in his first epistle, stated that “the end of all things is near” (1 Pet 4:7). So then what did he encourage the believers to do? (See verses 7-14).

1. Be clear minded and self-controlled
2. Pray
3. Love each other
4. Offer hospitality to each other
5. Use your gifts to minister to others
6. Speak with the wisdom God gives you
7. Serve with the strength God gives you
8. Do all this so God is glorified through Christ.
9. Don’t be surprised if you suffer for being a Christian.

In other words, all these are just the basic things that Christians of all times and places are called to do. Is it the end times? Perhaps. And, if so, then great! Keep doing what you have always been called to do: love, serve, speak and minister with God’s power. And if you suffer for it, praise God! I do not write that flippantly. I have served among the persecuted church for the last 15 years and can testify that this is their attitude (as it was with the first disciples – see Acts 5:41-42).

In his second letter Peter picks up this theme again, reminding believers that one day the earth will be destroyed (2 Pet 3:10). So what are we to do? “Live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God” (v. 11). Jesus’ coming again is something to look forward to, not something to fear because of some supposed deep state agenda. Rather, we are to look forward to the coming of Christ, and in the meantime live holy and godly lives – just as we’ve been called to do all along.

In his letters to the Thessalonians Paul was just as practical. He mentions the coming of Christ in these epistles more than in any other, but not to lead people to fear. Rather, his advice was practical: “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders” (4:11,12). So what are we to do during a pandemic or in the last days? What we’ve been called to do at all times and in every place: live godly lives and let your light shine in the darkness. “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you” (5:16-18). Yes, even in pandemics, because the God of peace is with us (v. 23).

FOURTH: Keep Ministering for Jesus.

Lastly, some thoughts sparked by what David Wells our General Superintendent shared a short while ago. He was reflecting on Matthew 25 – spoken by Jesus right after his end-time warnings in Matthew 24. What was it that Jesus called his disciples to do, in light of ‘The End’? He gave three parables with three practical messages. In fact, these are all things that Peter referred to in light of the last days and which we’ve already looked at above.

1. Be watchful (25:1-13). Like the wise virgins we should be spiritually ready at all times. (As Peter explained many years later, “be alert and pray”).
2. Minister faithfully (25:14-30). This is not a time to hide our talents, or stop focusing on what Jesus has called us to do. (As Peter said, “Use your gifts to minister to others”)
3. Remember the least of these (25:31-46). Treat others as if they were Jesus himself – “whatever you do to the least of these you do to me”. (Peter’s practical conclusion: Be hospitable, serve, help, love).

In other words, Jesus’ advice was not to dwell on theories about the timing of his coming, or get caught up in apocalyptic hype. Instead, the call is to just keep being a disciple of Jesus. Someone known for their love in the midst of evil; their peace in difficulty, their joy in hard times, and their prayer at all times. As Peter said elsewhere: “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Pet. 2:12, NLT). So in times like these let’s not give in to fear or paranoia. Rather, let us live honorably, minister faithfully, serve whole-heartedly and pray continually!

RELATED POSTS:

• Covid and Christians, pt 1
• The End of the World!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

This is part 2 of a post by our friend John. He has his Masters of Divinity from Tyndale University & Seminary and has spent almost 20 years in overseas work, helping equip the persecuted church. Due to the restricted nature of where he lives, that’s about all the info we can give