10 Contrasts Between True Christ-Followers and the World During a Crisis by JOSEPH MATTERA for Charisma News
The present coronavirus pandemic will demonstrate how the kingdom of God is different from the kingdom of darkness. It is also a huge opportunity for the church to function as the salt and light of the world. The reason is that the kingdom of the heavens is governed by a different set of laws and principles than those under the rule of the prince of this world (see John 14:30, 1 John 5:19).
The following are 10 statements that should illustrate contrasts between true Christ-followers and unbelievers conforming to the world system:
1. Instead of hoarding goods, we are generous with others.
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We love helping others and believe that’s one of the reasons we are chosen as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, to serve God’s children. We look to the Greatest Commandment as our Powering force.
While Christians should save money and food to provide for their immediate family, our mindset should be to also have enough to provide for our community. Many great leaders I know in the body of Christ are always champions during times of crisis and utilize their church buildings and vast resources to provide food, medical care and much-needed intervention for their communities and cities.
2. We don’t depend upon the world’s resources but on God’s Word to survive and thrive.
Jesus made it clear that the intent of Father God is that “man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (see Matt. 4:4b).
During the volatility of a global crisis, people of faith have learned to depend upon the tried and true words of the Lord more than on human government. Psalm 91:4 (NKJV) says, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler,” which means that it is His fidelity that is our assurance of security!
3. Instead of getting sick when we touch others, we can heal them with our touch.
While every Christian should practice social distancing out of love and respect for our neighbor, this should never nullify the fact that all believers are commanded to lay hands on the sick in faith that they will recover! (See Mark 16:15-17.) Hence, we should not shrink back from opportunities God brings to us to pray for those who are sick and fearful during these times.
This makes no sense to the unbeliever and to the ignorant Christian, but in the laws of the kingdom our touch can represent Jesus (1 John 4:17) and release His healing power to others.
Through the laws of the kingdom—by faith, typical plagues should not have power to stop anyone on assignment from the Lord (see Ps. 91:6). Even Paul the apostle casually shook off a viper that attached itself to him—and instead of falling down dead—a healing revival took place that shook Malta and planted Christianity there! (See Acts 28.)
