2020. What a year! In March, everyone had so many plans for the rest of the year. Spring break was approaching. There were upcoming weddings, graduations, family reunions, and various other celebrations on the horizon. Then COVID-19 hit us with full force; almost with a vengeance. Suddenly, we were all confined to home. Schools shut down, no more worship services in buildings, no more carefree shopping. Why, in Florida, not only did the state parks close, but all public-access restroom facilities scattered through the forests were locked shut! The paradigm of the entire world was forced to shift.
How did you approach these changes? In James 1:2-4 we are told, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” When you spoke with others, did they hear anger and hatred or acceptance and peace? When you posted on social media, how were you viewed? Did you speak as a Christian or as a non-believer? Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. ~ Psalm 19:13-14
The past months, as well as the months to come, will allow us to show our true colors. In this time of uncertainty and fear, your political preference doesn’t matter. The only answer about which non-believers or weak believers care is “where can I find reassurance and peace?” If your words show you to be as factious and bitter as everyone else, you take away their hope. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” ~ Hebrews 11:1 “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” ~ Luke 16:13
Show your true colors.