Essential versus Non-Essential
Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash
One of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis is that new words have become part of our normal vocabulary. For example “flattening the curve” and “social distancing” are terms that become a regular part of our communication. Another word that is not new but is being used with greater frequency is the word “essential”. We have heard about essential businesses, essential workers, etc.
With that in mind I have been wondering what are some essentials for following Jesus during this season of unrest. I believe there are many things that are good, but might not be essential. Here are four essentials:
Personal Devotion
It is not essential that all of us follow the same “protocol” for our personal devotional times. What is essential is that each of us have personal contact with God through whatever devotional format we follow. I believe our devotional life should contain three key elements.
Scripturally-Based Reading Whether you are reading through a book of the Bible (we begin our John study this Sunday, May 17 as a church), a scripture-based devotional, or selected readings in a reading plan, spending intentional time in God’s word is important.
Prayer Once again, this can vary from person to person. Some of us might be comfortable with liturgical or formal prayers. For others, it is much less formal. For example, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” is a great place to start. You can build whatever is needed around that.
Time of Quiet This is a time to simply ask God what He would like us to reflect on or think about, then simply be quiet and see what happens. If thoughts about situations or people come to mind, pray for them. Pray for your families or simply the events of the day. Don’t worry too much about how you do it; just do it.
Face It & Move Forward
It would be nice if we could move through this season fearlessly and free from anxiety. But it is not essential that we do so. One can be fearless for any number of reasons. We can be in denial about the situation. We can be just plain foolish. What is essential is that we face our anxiety and move forward anyway. I’ve heard this described as “Feel the fear and do it anyway”. This involves a willingness to face reality and trust God enough to do what we believe He is leading us to do. I’m certainly not advocating that we be inconsiderate of others or be foolish in our activities. However, I am advocating that we not be so “stuck” in our fears that we begin to lose hope and sort of “shut down”.
A couple of years ago, I saw a book entitled Keep Calm and Trust God. Great idea, but for some it’s very difficult to do. However, we need to keep loving, keep battling to be obedient, keep trusting, caring, and serving. This will not only be a chance to trust God, but it will help our kids (and others) deal with this situation in a more balanced, calm, and healthy way.
Trust When You Don't Feel
It would be nice but is not essential that we feel God’s presence during this entire season. It is essential that we learn to trust Him even though we might not feel His presence. I think of verses in Isaiah 43 that were written after the people had gone into captivity in Babylon. They probably weren’t feeling God’s presence but Isaiah reminds them that God is still with them even though their emotions might tell them otherwise.
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT
The prophet is reminding them that God is with them even though they probably don’t feel His presence. He is with us as well.
In the book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis describes a conversation between a senior devil (Screwtape) and his apprentice (Wormwood). The subject is a young man who has made a commitment to Jesus, but no longer feels His presence. Wormwood is excited because he thinks the young man might be ready to reject his faith. This is Screwtape’s reply:
“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human…looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.”
If we are willing to step out in obedience even when we don’t feel like it, even when we have no indication God is there, we will make it through and grow in our faith in this very troubling and often frightening season.
Accept God's Ways
There are many other issues that could be reviewed, but we’ll finish with this one. Once again, it would be nice, but it is not essential that we understand God’s ways and why things happen as they do. What is essential is that we accept the reality that God’s ways are not our ways and He and His ways will ultimately be good. He can be trusted. Another way to say it is that He’s God and we’re not. We also need to accept the reality that God doesn’t owe us explanations. Once again, to paraphrase C.S. Lewis, He might not be safe or comfortable, but He is good whether we understand or not.
We’ll finish with this verse from Romans 12. In it, Paul describes a couple of other “essentials”.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out.
Romans 12:12–13 (TLB)
I hope we can all focus on what is truly essential as we go, and more importantly, grow through this season.
As always, please feel free to reach out to a staff member if you are needing prayer, advice, or just a friendly ear to listen. Their numbers are below: