Trinity Questions #1: Praying

Over the last two days we've looked at 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 and thought about what it means for Christians in times of crisis. Specifically, we've discussed the attitude that Christians are called to take on, all the time but particularly during seasons of challenge like the one we are in right now with the Coronavirus pandemic.

That passage exhorts us to live in light of a few facts which should shape the love we show for neighbor: that just because something is lawful doesn't make it good for others; that we are to focus on that which is helpful and builds up others; and that we should seek our own good first, but the good of others.

In light of these, what are some ways that we can pray?

For Ourselves

Lord, for myself I pray...

• That I would learn to put the good of others before my own good, so that it would become second-nature to me to love my neighbor in this way.
• That I would have discernment to recognize those things that may be lawful, but which are not helpful or that do not build others up—and that I would have the discipline to deny myself of that which is not helpful or edifying to others.
• That I would be shaped more and more into your image, so that denying myself, taking up my cross, and following in your path of serving those around me would become my identity.

For the Nation/World

Lord, for all that is going on in the nation and world right now, I pray...

• That Christians all over the world would heed what your Word teaches us about love of neighbor, and would take measures to live in light of that during this pandemic crisis.
• That your church would shine as a beacon of service, selflessness, and sacrifice during this crisis, in the way that she has during other eras, so much that even the hardest-hearted among us would glorify your name because of the deeds of your church.
• That citizens everywhere would display acts of kindness and care for their neighbors, and that you would move each to turn aside from selfishness for the sake of others.
• That the leaders of nations would have wise counsel and make wise decisions about what measures to enact in order to address the needs of the people they serve, and that they would pursue that which is good, just, and right, not seeking their own interests.
• That you would ease the difficulty, quell the pain and suffering, and comfort those who are grieving in the wake of this virus; draw near to those who have been affected by it, and draw them near to you in faith.

For Rossville

Lord, for the community of Rossville, I pray...

• That the leaders of local government would wisely guide and direct the community through this crisis, and be responsive to the immediate needs of our community.
• That the citizens of our community would know how to serve one another during the pandemic, and would do so out of love for neighbor and a selfless heart that you have given to them.
• That Trinity Reformed Church would be an instrument of your grace and peace throughout the pandemic season, serving each other and those outside of our congregation faithfully and well.

Trinity Questions #1: Suggested Application

Yesterday we briefly considered the attitude that Christians are called to embody at all times—especially during times of crisis, like we are currently facing.

Today I'd like to think together about some possible ways to apply this in our lives right now. Please note that these are suggested application points, not mandates or direct instructions. And they are just the beginning of a potentially long list of suggestions, so please add your own ideas to the mix!

First Corinthians 10:23–24, the main passage we looked at yesterday, mentioned three particulars to pay attention to: things that are helpful, things that build up, and things that seek the good of neighbor. Let's consider some ways that those might find direct application right now.

• As we think of neighbors: who are your literal neighbors, the people that live closest to your home? What are ways that you could do things that are for their good right now? Someone posted a note they had sent to all of their neighbors, offering to help them by getting them groceries, pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy, or other errands they may not be able to do themselves. Even if you don't know your neighbors very well, an offer to serve them would be a great act of neighbor love.
• Also related to "the good of neighbor": as long as the spread of this virus is such a grave concern, the practice of "social distancing"—keeping a space of about six feet between you and anyone else—is not just an act of self-preservation but also one of love for neighbor, because it respects their need to keep from infection as well as your own. Even for someone we might feel inclined to greet with more affection, a hug or handshake at this particular time is inconsiderate and unloving.
• It's been surprising to see the "hoarding" of staple goods during this pandemic. This strikes me as a perfect example of something that might be "lawful" but that isn't helpful or building up of others. Christians shouldn't take more than their "share" of even the most vital items. We might even consider foregoing our own needs or desires for the sake of others, and simply not buying an item so someone else can have it. One person recognized that items marked for "WIC" (the "women, infants, and children" food program) should be skipped over by those who aren't enrolled in WIC, so that WIC mothers would have them to buy. This kind of decision is helpful and builds others up.
• One way we can consider others, love them, and build them up is to keep in mind that those around us may be facing this crisis in challenging ways. They may be struggling to pay rent or afford groceries; they might have lost their job and be fearful about the future. It could be they someone close to them is sick from the virus or otherwise. Those who struggle with depression or anxiety could be seeing those struggles flare up in difficult ways. Love is patient and kind, and exercising some extra grace toward others is definitely called for during a time like this.

How can the church be actively serving our community in love right now?

• We are going to make sure that everyone in our own church community has what they need. Much as we do during a time of particular need when we coordinate meals for others, we will do all we can to coordinate meals, groceries, and/or other necessities for those families in our congregation that cannot get them for themselves.
• We want to support the community of Rossville as much as we can. Over the next week our leadership will be in touch with the governing leaders of Rossville and Fayette county to find out how we might play a role in supporting them. We will also be in touch with the Rossville Fire Department, with whom we have had occasional opportunities to be supportive, to learn what they might need and whether we can provide that.
• We are also tentatively planning to set up a Little Free Pantry on the church grounds for those in the immediate area to make use of, which may be particularly helpful during this season when groceries and other household needs are in shorter supply.

Again, these are just a few ideas for application of this attitude that we are called to live out. What ideas do YOU have for this, that we could add to the list?

Trinity Questions #1: Our Attitudes

Hello saints,

As the crisis of the Coronavirus pandemic has struck our world, I've gotten some questions about how we, as Christians, should respond. Here's part one of this week's efforts to answer those questions.

Later this week I'll post some other thoughts reflecting on this particular question/topic, and in the weeks to come I will answer the other questions I've gotten similarly (Lord willing).