Over the past several weeks in this column, I have been looking at how there has been a raftload of conspiracy theories being bandied about in Christian circles, during this Coronavirus Pandemic. Today, I want to conclude by recommending a course of action as to how you, as a Christian, should respond to all of these theories.
First, let me speak from my own perspective. Personally, I try to stay away from listening to conspiracy theories because I find they tend to cause me to become a very suspicious person. Hearing about all the skulldudgery that some say is accompanying this pandemic forces my mind to go into some very negative places.
Now, I do not want to bury my head in the sand either, butI have found that, instead of paying attention to these, it is far better for my spiritual life if I rather follow scripture’s command: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (not conspiracies) Philippians 4:8. Like they used to say in the early days of computer programming, “Garbage in; garbage out.” When you always look on the gloomy side of life, it is hard to live the life of joy and rejoicing we are commanded: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.
Secondly, the best way to deal with all that is going on is to be prayerfully watching for the second coming of Christ. Back last March, when the pandemic first broke out my 17 year old grandson, Evan, asked me,“Grandpa, is this going to be the end of the world?” I said to him, “Evan, it could be or maybe it won’t be. I don’t honestly know…” and I quoted Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Jesus’ return could be before this day is over or it might not be for 100 years; we just don’t know. Indeed, as Jesus clearly stated, “No man knows the day nor the hour…” And so it’s fruitless to try to speculate for just that reason.
What we do know is that we are to do everything in our power to be ready whenever the Second Coming does happen. We are to watch for His return. Jesus instructed us: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” Matthew 25:13.
Not only are we to vigilantly watch for the return of Christ, but as we do, we are to continue to live holy lives. “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” 2 Peter 3:11-12. Take every opportunity to say no to sin.
I conclude with a statement that one of the girls in our church made in her monthly ministry report to our church board. She put it this way: “Don’t just stay safe, stay sane folks!”
That, in my opinion, is good counsel.
