CORONA Ra Karuna!!
I am sick of and not from Corona. Being part of some 20 odd whatsapp groups, i observed many today have become Corona Evangelist.We are talking more about Corona than Jesus Christ. Social distancing is coming at the cost of extra
gadget gorging and browsing and specifically “Corona bingeing”(excessive indulgence in Corona activity) a new menace during this lockdown.” I discern in this world, that after this lockdown period, real Christians
will come out with a new vigour for the ministry but fakes will slide to the mud of sin deeper.” Dear students& graduates, this is a test of our foundations to see whether our spiritual life will stand this COVID
storm.
Looking around, I see some of these Corona menance catching us all -students and graduates in a different way. Here are some observations from my watsapp group that I picked up. Find
your type or add your type :)
1st The Hyper-vigilant: Some of us are careful, others vigilant. Being careful is sure, wise. But being ultra-careful and hyper-vigilant are impractical
excesses that could steal the life out of us, as we attempt to protect the very thing we have already traded. Hyper-vigilance calls for one to be on top of the information game, at all times. Info-bingers
2nd The Broadcaster:Bingers make good broadcasters . ‘Sharing is caring’, that’s the oath by which they live. Some of us strongly feel a calling to share and we go on an overdrive and spam our groups.
3rd The Panicky: Fear that is constantly fed, could lead to anxiety. Anxiety unaddressed for prolonged periods of time may lead to panic. Panic is described
as a sudden rush of fear and anxiety, intense enough to cause both physical and psychological symptoms. In Panic, the level of fear/anxiety experienced is extremely unrealistic and way out of proportion to the events or circumstances.
4rth The End Timer:
Here’s our ‘hobby-end-timer’. He swings into swift action, as though he were waiting for Corona to show-up. Rapture, Left-behind, Tribulation -Spiritualizing are his
‘strengths’. Sometimes terrorizing souls into the kingdom. Often, well-intentioned. Perhaps, a little biased. Eternity will tell.
5th The Iron Man: Feel free to call him Thor or Hulk – this is our very own Corona Avenger! Unfazed, brave, mighty,
gutsy and I must include brash. He thinks his body has already developed antibodies to COVID-19 . And so he ventures brazenly towards it! Rubbishing everything from social distancing, to sanitizers and mask . Yes i am talking
about you ________ :)
6thThe Spectator: Two-thirds of every WA group /FB/Insta/Twitter followers – the silent Spectators. They are watching.
Perhaps they are reading, hearing. But you have no way of ever finding what they think or feel, one way or the other, about this pandemic COVID or anything for that matter. No they won’t – like, share or comment.
They will continue to exist for a long time to come!
Lets face the fact-Today each of us have become CORONA BINGERS at some point in time (at least I am). Some positive, some negative.
BUT How Now Shall We Live:
1st Be Sensitive: Fear, anxiety, panic and despair is written large across the globe. We don’t have to fuel the fire and amplify fear and despair. Hope diffuses fear. Anchored hope, is the need of the hour.Rom 8:24 declares
“For in hope we have been saved”
2nd Be Sensible: While many panic, there are some Iron Men strutting around. As though they are immune to infection. We should be bold, yet cautious. Even if one were asymptomatic,
he could be carrying bugs around and cause the weaker brother to stumble, because of his faith!(rom 14:20) Comply with governmental norms. Let’s be responsible for the sake of others.
3rd Be Sacrificial: While we are sensitive and sensible, having hope, dispelling fear, we need to be purposeful and practical. Sacrifice is the hallmark of Christian discipleship. We
need to be prepared to walk the talk and validate our faith through our deeds (when called to, in this specific context)
In Jesus Christ alone, we have the true Messiah, uniquely qualified, not just to sympathize but empathize with our struggles and sorrows.(Heb4:15) For “he was pierced
for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed”(Isa53:5). He tells us today, ‘Fear not, I AM with You.’(Isa41:10)
