Lessons Learned from Covid-19 through The Cross

When will life return to normal? We may never return to the way things used to be. We will face a new normal with lessons learned from this pandemic. Germs, bacteria and viruses have been around since the Fall of Man, but we are much more aware of them than before. What might those lessons be?

1) We are now more cognizant of ways germs and bacteria spread. We’ll be washing our hands often, longer, and more thorough preventing any flu or virus from spreading. We may decide to use a glove each time we pump gas into our cars knowing that germs and viruses from many people are lingering on that nozzle. I’ll never go to the grocery store without wiping down my cart handle with sanitizer. And if I’m sick, I’ll do everyone a favor and stay home! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Or simply said, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

2) We’ll never look at our children’s teachers the same. Instead of, “I know my child would never do that!” It’ll be, “Bless you teacher, and how may I work with you?” Some parents may decide to continue home schooling. And some for fear of what might happen if schools never re-open, will have them at school on time if not before. Parents may now understand the previous notes the teacher sent home. We as parents are the first and most important teachers of our children. May we teach and model for them the values that Jesus lived.

3) We might designate one closet or space storing extra sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, masks, and nonperishable food. We’ll never forget the day when a roll of toilet paper was more valuable than a gallon of gas. But what’s more valuable is that because of Christ’s redeeming work on The Cross–my sins are paid in full. That’s an unbelievable value! As Dr. Sandy Stradtman said, “The sin “virus” is much more pervasive and deadly, as we know. The Coronavirus is something we can catch; sin determines who we are at the heart level. The death rate from Coronavirus is about 3% or less; the death rate from sin is 100%.”

4) We realize that our days on earth are at best… tenuous and temporary. And only what’s done for Christ will matter. In Heaven, there will be no more sickness, germs or bacteria. Keeping this eternal perspective, keeps us sane when everything around us appears bordering on insanity. No matter what kind of quarantine we are under, God can’t be contained in a box. He can’t be quarantined. He is holy! He’s always with us. Nothing has changed. Sickness, germs and bacteria will ultimately be defeated for good!

From Walking With God

5) God uses suffering to get our attention. He wants us to look to Him for strength. Look within to see what we need changing. Look around and see how we can make a difference in this world. We won’t forget those folks who went all out to provide PPE, ventilators, and other critical needs. People donating and making things they’d never made before to meet an urgent need is the heart of America. And the message of the church continues to reach the world through creative means. Who’d ever thought Samaritan’s Purse would set up a mobile medical unit in Central Park! Our gratitude for The Cross motivates us to reach out to others.

6) We’ll never take for granted those who served on the frontlines —doctors, nurses, military, first responders, delivery personnel, grocers, etc. They either saved people’s lives or helped keep our economy and essentials moving. The Cross teaches us that the greatest act on this earth is to give your lives for others.

7) We now know that our immune systems are front and center in defending us against any flu or virus. In addition to CDC recommendations, we must also keep hydrated, keep moving, get adequate rest, eat immune building foods, and eat probiotic foods to keep our gut and immune systems armed and ready for battle. Many doctors and nutritionists will tell you that keeping your immune system strong in addition to social distancing, washing hands, and isolating those who are ill is critical. In addition to age, it was underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and chronic lung issues—some of which were caused by our own lifestyle habits—that made Covid-19 aggressive in some more than others. Our responsibility to care for our bodies becomes more important every day. God has gifted us with an amazing body that is armed and ready for combat when we treat it responsibly.

8) Travel to and from China may and should be limited. Their cover-up of the truth cost the entire world much. It will be difficult to trust their leaders. (This does not apply to our Chinese-American citizens.) As a result, we may be making more things here in the good ole USA—especially our cherished pharmaceuticals and medical supplies! Let’s quit looking for people to blame. China and their delay and cover-up are to blame! If intentional, the world must deal with China’s leaders. But if by accident, we must show mercy. God has forgiven us through The Cross. Might we forgive others?

A post from David Roger’s Facebook page

We have far more going our way than those who lived and died during the Spanish Flu in 1918-1919. Medical technology, ventilators and drugs including antibiotics were unavailable when this pandemic swept through the world infecting up to 500 million and killing up to 50 million people. And they did not have the Internet to keep schools, businesses, and communication going. We do best when we learn from the lessons we’ve learned during Covid-19 through the lens of The Cross. May this pandemic be an awakening that leads us back to THE CROSS!

We have much to be thankful for in the eye of this pandemic. So what are you thankful for this Easter Season? I’m thankful for my health, family—especially my grandson born on Easter weekend, and that in the New Heaven and Earth germs, bacteria and viruses will be obliterated!