Good afternoon brothers and sisters in Christ,

At our Chaplains meeting in Zuni last week, Seth Stevens asked, ‘What if we treated sin like we treated the
coronavirus?’ The question has been rattling around in my mind the past few days, with multiple spiritual
connections and applications. Below are a few thoughts…

Coronavirus Sin
● It’s a pandemic - people ● It’s ​pandemic​ - no one’s exempt! All people of all tribes and races have been
around the globe are being infected. - “​All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” ​(Romans 3:23)
infected

● It can lead to death - the ● The infection of sin has a ​100% death rate​ - ​“Therefore, just as sin came into the
rate of death is unknown, world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men
but can especially be high because all sinned” ​(Romans 5:12)
for the elderly.

● There is no cure yet for
this virus (though certainly
many have been healed)
● There is a ​CERTAIN​ ​CURE​ for sin and the death that it brings. Through Jesus Christ,
we are more than conquerors, freed from the power of sin or death. Ultimately, we
have a hope that isn’t so much about being free from sickness this side of heaven -
but heaven itself.
○ “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the
dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” ​(1
Corinthians 15:21-22)
○ “Jesus said..., “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me,
though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall
never die. Do you believe this?” ​(John 11:25-26)
○ “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but ​if by the Spirit you put to
death the deeds of the body,​ you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of
God are sons of God.” (​ Romans 8:12-14)

● Steps to resist/prevent: ● Steps to resist / prevent​ ​“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the
○ Realize the danger point of shedding your blood...” (​ Hebrews 12:4)
(take it seriously) ○ Realize the danger of sin. Unfortunately, we often become complacent.
○ Good hygiene: Wash However, Jesus said, ​“...if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw
hands, Don’t touch it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole
your face...etc... body go into hell.​” (Matthew 5:27-30). Therefore, ​“Beloved, I urge you as
sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war
○ Eat healthily, and get against your soul.” ​(1 Peter 2:11)
enough sleep to build
your immune system. ○ Good spiritual hygiene and immunity builders:

○ Social Distancing
○ If you have specific
symptoms seek
medical care early and
quarantine yourself
○ Share helpful and
truthful information
with those in your
circles...
■ Spiritual Disciplines - The Word of God; Prayer, Fasting, Godly fellowship
(2 Timothy 3:15-17; Luke 22:40; Luke 5:16; Acts 2:42)
■ Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-20
■ Filled with the Holy Spirit and strong in the Lord - Ephesians 5:15-18; 6:10
○ Beware of who is influencing you (social distancing). Surround yourself with the
right company. ​“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” ​(1
Corinthians 15:33); ​“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith,
love, and peace, along ​with those w​ ho call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (​ 2
Timothy 2:22)
■ Realize your own influence - ask, “Am I contagiously influencing people to
love the things of this world, or am I contagiously influencing others to
love the name, will, kingdom of God, and our neighbors for whom He
died?”
○ Share the realities of sin and the good news of the Gospel to our world in need!
(1 Thess. 2:8-9)
 In light of the above, while the Coronavirus is certainly producing a lot of fear, panic, stress, and a
complete upheaval of life, it also provides us incredible opportunities. First, we’re forced to slow down in our
fast-paced culture - this gives us an opportunity to draw near to the Lord (and to lead our families in the same),
to truly examine the state of our spiritual lives, and like David to pray, ​“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
(Psalm 139:23-24). Secondly, it gives us as followers of Jesus an amazing opportunity to share the hope that we
have in Christ. Right now we have a huge window through which to share the Gospel, and our lives - through
generous service, love, and compassion. God has placed us in this specific time and place to be His salt and light.
My prayer for all of us is that we take advantage of these opportunities. Blessings to each of you!