As I did some soul searching recently, I realized how much we fear the COVID-19 outbreak. It has changed the way we work, the way we conduct our meetings, and the way we socialize.
It has brought up the best of us and the worse of us. Some are willing to share their supply of facemasks and hand sanitizers. Others hoard them. Still others charge exorbitant prices for them.
The COVID-19 fear has led many into irrational behaviour of panic buying. I can understand buying up surgical masks, disinfectants and hand sanitizers. But toilet papers?
Just when you thought this weird reaction is only peculiar to Singapore, you read about the snapping up of toilet papers in Japan that cleared the shelves of every shop.
After the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases, South Korea and Italy join in the panic rush to buy masks and groceries in drugstores and supermarkets. Pharmacies carried signs saying they’ve run out of protective masks and hand sanitizers.
People are so scared of the corona virus.
To top it all, market survey shows 37 percent of drinkers won’t touch Corona Extra beer because of the epidemic fear.
If we do a COVID-19 check, we might easily conclude we fear the virus more than we fear the Lord.
If only we fear God like we fear COVID-19, which we cannot see but know for sure is real and deadly.
If only we monitor our spiritual temperature regularly like the way we conscientiously do now.
If only we wash our souls as much as we wash our hands and sanitize them whenever we touch something suspiciously unclean.
If only we mask ourselves to prevent the spread of sinful infection in our lives and the lives of others.
If only we avoid visiting and going to known places that contaminate our minds and our bodies.
If only we self impose isolation just to be in solitude with the Lord.
If only our travel history shows that we have been in the presence of God.
If only we read the Bible like we read the report of Covid-19 day after day.
If only we be just as weary of rumours of false teachings, fake insights circulating in the Internet, WhatsApps, Twitter and FaceBook.
If only we buy up opportune time to fill up our treasure trove of spiritual knowledge, insights and revelation instead of storing up rice, instant noodles and toilet papers.
If only we fear the Lord like we fear the virus.
LeCrae said, “We fear circumstances so much because we fear God so little.” Jesus made it clear: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Let’s do a spiritual health check this season and may we learn to fear God more. —Sng Chong Hui
