May 28, 2020
By Katrina Goodrich
Women’s Society
2020 has been a whirlwind so far. I believe this year has definitely upset daily routines and completely shaken up what normal looks like for most people. How interesting that our focus for this year’s General Conference was an apt play on eyesight—“Fix Your Eyes on Jesus.” We’re certainly getting an opportunity to do just that in a big way right now.
There is so much division on a very visceral level right now—more so than we would probably see even in a normal election year. Politics is definitely not helping. Very basic questions about humanity are being turned over to politicians to provide answers—and let me tell you, they aren’t qualified to address those questions— not really. There are conspiracies, politics, mistrust, and disinformation around every corner. Many have been posing questions about whom to trust—who do you listen to? I’m not going to share my views. I have them and some of you I know have differing ones. What I am going to do is beseech you to fix your eyes on Jesus.
Unfortunately, Jesus doesn’t straight-up address pandemics and quarantine measures in the beatitudes. But if we examine the life of Christ and His teachings and read the Bible, what does He tell us? One thing as a Christian, we believe Jesus is truth and He is good. But He didn’t win a ton of popularity contests, especially among governing bodies.
At this point discerning truth regarding what is occurring nationally, from my point of view, is impossible. There are guidelines and rules that differ across state lines and even sometimes from city to city. Here are two guidelines I would say should govern your decisions about what you’re doing, who you’re listening to, and how you are responding to others (p.s. these aren’t good only for pandemics).
1. Fix your eyes on Jesus and ask the clichéd phrase from the 90’s and early 2000’s, W.W.J.D (what would Jesus do). To be more specific, H.W.J.R. (how would Jesus respond). If you don’t know, it might be a good idea to slow yourself down and read your Bible before doing anything.
2. The Bible encourages us to look at the consequences of our actions and examine the fruit. If how you or others are responding isn’t bearing Fruit of the Spirit, it might be time to reevaluate your response. (Read Galatians 5 if you need a refresher).
Now in order for this to work I think we have to approach it with a humble and open heart. If you are searching for confirmation that your position is correct, that’s probably what you are going to find. Let me tell you this article started out looking very different than it does now. But I had to allow God His sovereignty as judge and use these principles myself while writing this. My heart is so incredibly heavy with grief and sometimes burning with anger—I have to tread carefully, especially since people with opposing viewpoints may be feeling the exact same way.
Ephesians 4:6 is calling my name a lot these days and I’m doing my best to rely on Jesus’ heart rather than my own.