“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Paul had endured worse things than we do with the Covid virus pandemic.  He lived through famine, floods, shipwrecks, being at sea for days, beatings…and of course the life-long physical ailment which caused pain in his side.  He knows what it means to have hard times.

Yet, Paul presses forward…and by example he encourages us to do so also.  The first couple weeks of staying home was fun.  Bettylou and I got a lot done around the house and yard. By week six it is not as much fun or and we are not so productive.  Somedays we feel like slugs, finding ourselves in slow motion.  There are even days I do not feel like doing anything.

It’s time like these that I hear Paul’s voice: “Press on!”  Life has not come to a halt; life has only changed…and I hope temporarily.  People are beginning to demonstrate against the long-term isolation and loss of jobs.  We want to press on.

The second part of the verse addresses…toward what are we pressing on?  For Paul, he was pressing on to the goal to win the prize!  He would not allow himself to be paralyzed by fear.  He would not let the depressing situations and isolation slow him down.  He was on the move.  We need to keep going…with precautions and faith.

As we attempt to “re-open” our economy, churches, schools, and social gatherings, will we merely try to recreate the familiar past?  Or will we change our future to a new normal.  Now that parents have home-schooled, maybe we will bring into the future a greater appreciation for teachers. Maybe we will have a greater appreciation of first responders, manufacturers, meat packers, toilet paper, hygiene, hugs and handshakes, visiting grandkids and loved ones in nursing homes and hospitals, visiting your neighbors, taking more time to pray and read the Bible, a clearer understanding how our federal and state governments work well or do not work well during a crisis.

I hope we bring a new spirituality into the future also.  Church buildings were closed, but not the church.  There is a better understanding of that now after this Ovid dilemma.  Churches have been forced to used modern media to reach beyond their four walls; I hope we continue that also, reaching many more people than usual.  We are still serving meals to the homeless and marginalized; we could have easily shut down.  Yet we have taken precautions and made many changes…all of which I hope we continue afterward.

I believe that Paul is vaguely touching on the saying: “We are in this world, for this world, but not of this world.” We are in this world and need to take precautions, look at ways to reopen, and help those who were drastically affected by the shut-down.  We are here for this world, to make it a better place while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet we need to keep our eyes focused upon the spiritual realm, the kingdom to come.  As Paul says his prize is the heavenward calling of Christ Jesus.  That’s our objective and prize also.  As we fulfill our responsibilities to this world, let us not forget to keep our eyes focused upon our heavenly citizenship.  When you do, your perspective of this temporary Covid crisis will take on a very different perspective,

Hoping you stay safe…in the arms of God.

Pastor Bruce