Ephesians 4:1 I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by
God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for
each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in
the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit,
just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
For the past year and a half, Covid19 has been the #1 talking point — whether headlined
on the news, discussed on talk shows, or in print, blogged, aired on social media or the
topic of daily conversation. Its implications have been widespread – quarantines,
mandates, loss of jobs, loss of businesses, loss of precious lives.
However, I believe one of the greatest impacts of the Coronavirus has been the division
it has created; separating friends, family members, co-workers and even believers. The
latter group is called to a higher standard – “to live worthy” as God’s chosen people.
Chosen for what? Chosen to be salt and light. Chosen to live different; treating each
other with grace and respect.
Information overload has contributed to the great divide. There are experts on every
aspect related to the virus, strongly challenging and disagreeing with each other. And
everyone has an opinion based on who or what they align themselves with.
I have not preached the Gospel of Covid treatment. I have been supportive of those
who have been vaccinated and of those who have chosen not to be vaccinated. Why?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ must be our center. I believe Covid has been used by an
unseen enemy as a tool to create disunity. That is why Paul said, make every effort
(strive, endeavor) to keep yourselves united in the Spirit.
Ask yourself: Do my posts on Facebook unite or create division? Do my tweets build
bridges or walls? If they do not, stop posting! Am I gentle? Am I longsuffering? Do I
show humility toward those who differ in their opinions? If not, repent! You are hurting
the body of Jesus, smearing his bride.
At some point, Covid will be history, but the effect it has had on relationships will not,
unless we decide to walk worthy of our call to imitate Christ.
Paul, writing to believers in Rome said this: 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone. I know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all about unity.
Here the ownness of responsibility is on us. “as far as it depends on you”.
I echo Paul’s appeal to the church at Corinth. I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. I Corinthians 1:10
Covid is real, as is the treatment, but is Christ more real in the way you treat others?
Live worthy,
Nicholas
