Spread hope, not the virus

We're just a couple of weeks in the Covid-19 season, and actually, for me personally, it is the first week I'm staying at home and working from home. Others, e.g. in the health sector (like our foster son who's working in hospital) are in the front line helping people – many thanks to them! As far as we can see, it's just the beginning of a longer period of ambiguity, uncertainty, and sometimes fear. It's so easy to be caught by fear: What if I come down with the virus (with asthma I'm probably at a higher risk)?. Even worse, what if other people we love are infected with the virus, e.g. our parents who are risk patients and live quite far away in another country? What will happen in terms of our businesses? What about our finances?

These thoughts and questions are sometimes running through my head, and many of them are driven by fear. Coronavirus is creating intense fear everywhere. But – fear is a liar. Fear never tells the truth. I don't want to be driven by fear. I don't want to make fear-based decisions. I don't want to be a leader who's acting out of fear. Having said that (just to be very clear), of course it's crucial for all of us to not ignore the medical facts about Covid-19, take precautions and do not participate in spreading the virus. I'm talking about mindset here, not foolishness.

Bad news, good news. I'm so glad we know Jesus. He who is the Truth and the Hope of glory (Col. 1,27). The [only] Way and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life (John 14,6), more reliable and trustworthy than any media. I propose it's better to trust His word, anyway. So, I'd like to share some personal thoughts (some are affected by encouraging inputs from some leaders and followers of Christ we are, at least virtually, connected with):

1. God is good. Always. Really. 'He sits on the throne', even in difficult times (Is. 6,1). 'He [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him' (Ro. 8,28). That's true, even if we don't understand it yet. He says 'You will not be afraid of the terror of night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon.' (Ps. 91, 5-6)

2. Mindset change. Corona (lat.) means 'crown'. Revelation tells us that the only One who is worthy to wear the crown is Jesus, the King of Kings. He's the One who's no longer dead but 'crowned with glory and honor' (Hebr. 2,7). Danny Silk came up with the great idea to think or say aloud 'King of Kings' whenever we hear the word 'Corona'. Try it, it's mind-changing.

3. Use faith and facts, not fear. Make a decision whether to choose faith and facts, or fear. Then decide based on faith and facts, not fear. 'Faith is the assurance [confirmation, substance] of things hoped for, and the evidence [conviction] of things not seen.' (Hebr. 11,1). Our job is to disseminate hope, peace, and truth in these unprecedented times.

4. Socializing, not distancing. Physical distancing (I don't like the misleading term 'social distancing'): Yes, in terms of avoiding crowds of people. Social and emotional distancing: No. Let's find and use creative ways (or conservative ones like the phone!) to interact with each other. More than usually. And find creative ways to do meaningful and sustainable business in times of remote working.

5. A spirit of power, love and sound mind. Finally, one of my favorite bible verses is more actual than ever: 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' (2 Tim. 1,7, NKJV). Power, that is the Holy Spirit who moves us forward and gives us a push to a lifestyle of faith. Love is the foundation: Trust God's love and intention for us. Sound mind is our personal responsibility to discipline our minds (yes, I know, not easy). A spirit of power, love and sound mind –​ useful these days, in particular for leaders.

Prompt: Are your thoughts and actions driven by fear? Or do you spread hope?