I read a great quote this morning: “Do not change your behavior to avoid being infected. Assume you are infected, and change your behavior to avoid transmitting.” I wish I knew the genius who shared this advice. What a beautiful approach to life!
While the focus is obviously on the coronavirus, I’m drawn straight to Paul’s letter to the people in Rome. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NRSV) Talk about a stimulus package!
Paul reminds us that the world’s culture is bent on dragging us down; we have to imagine we are already filled with those undesirable vibes. Of course, when we are diseased by the bad stuff, that’s what we share. With the world’s input, we have a toxic sickness inside us.
I feel I can hear Paul’s voice saying: Ramp it up, people! Distance your minds from the infection of evil. Wash your hands of the damaging virus of negativity. Keep your spirits clean, and dedicate your energy to figuring out what God is about. When you focus on God’s will, you begin to heal from the inside out. The result is a healthy response of sharing the Good News!
God is consistently calling us to reorder our lives and then dedicate them as a holy and living sacrifice which is acceptable to God. Intentional prayer, fasting, Bible study – all are ingredients in the vaccine against the worldly sin virus. Belief in Jesus Christ is the cure.
Time for behavioral change. In the middle of world-wide anxiety and uncertainty, I choose the cure. Think I’ll turn off the TV tonight and go take a walk.
Blessings,
Pastor Beth
While the focus is obviously on the coronavirus, I’m drawn straight to Paul’s letter to the people in Rome. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NRSV) Talk about a stimulus package!
Paul reminds us that the world’s culture is bent on dragging us down; we have to imagine we are already filled with those undesirable vibes. Of course, when we are diseased by the bad stuff, that’s what we share. With the world’s input, we have a toxic sickness inside us.
I feel I can hear Paul’s voice saying: Ramp it up, people! Distance your minds from the infection of evil. Wash your hands of the damaging virus of negativity. Keep your spirits clean, and dedicate your energy to figuring out what God is about. When you focus on God’s will, you begin to heal from the inside out. The result is a healthy response of sharing the Good News!
God is consistently calling us to reorder our lives and then dedicate them as a holy and living sacrifice which is acceptable to God. Intentional prayer, fasting, Bible study – all are ingredients in the vaccine against the worldly sin virus. Belief in Jesus Christ is the cure.
Time for behavioral change. In the middle of world-wide anxiety and uncertainty, I choose the cure. Think I’ll turn off the TV tonight and go take a walk.
Blessings,
Pastor Beth