At this present time there are two important matters that are occupying the attention of the world's population due to the COVID 19 virus.
The first is how it is affecting the health of people no matter where they live or their social status. The virus is showing no respect of persons. It is affecting royalty, heads of government and celebrities plus the man in the street. Thousands of families have felt the devastating effect of the virus, which has brought death to their loved ones. People who have observed a healthy diet and regularly exercised have not been immune from infection and some have died.
The second matter is wealth.
Many years ago I read a book by S I McMillen M.D. entitled 'None of these diseases' on the back cover it stated 'The writer, a medical man, uses many case histories to support his view that much illness could be prevented if Biblical advice were followed'. The reader is shown that the Biblical directives can save from certain infectious diseases, from many lethal cancers, and from a long gauntlet of psychosomatic diseases that are increasing in spite of all efforts of modern medicine.
The title of the book is taken from Exodus chapter 15 verse 26 '..if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD which healeth thee'.
God allows diseases to affect all people. It is quite apparent that the majority of people have not, and are not, living according to Biblical principles and commandments. The COVID-19 virus is waking many people up to their own mortality and some to their accountability to God, the creator.
Some are obtaining and reading the Bible for the first time, seeking to know where their life stands in relation to a holy eternal God. Some people are more open to talk about the existence of God, his creation, his plan of salvation for people. That is offer of forgiveness, cleansing from sin and the possession of eternal life.
Now, the reality is that some people do not accept the Bible or the teaching of the Bible and so live according to their own thinking. The scriptures say in Proverbs chapter 14 verse 12 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death'.
Humans are not capable to prescribe a remedy for evil and cannot resolve the issues of personal wrongdoing and sin. God says in Isaiah chapter 1 verse 18 'Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool'.
As everyone seems to be saying, 'these are unprecedented times'. Times of uncertainty economically as well as in terms of health. Years ago a young person leaving school or college and going into banking could expect it to be a job for life. The new normal is vastly different, not only is a job in banking insecure but the bank itself is disappearing from the High Street. The smart people whose job it is to handle money and securities are recognising that their control of currency is precarious. Many are moving their currency into purchasing gold. It was not long ago that gold could be purchased for £100 per troy ounce, today that same weight costs over £1,300. Governments are plunged into debt by borrowing billions or even trillions of their currency to help them resolve the freefall of their economy. The wealthy King Solomon, wrote in Proverbs chapter 23 verse 5 'Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven'.
The transitory nature of wealth means that values can rise or fall with devastating effects. In the 'Sermon on the Mount' Jesus said 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will you heart be also,' Matt. 6. 19 – 21.
The gift of God is eternal life, a possession that one can receive only while alive on earth and is a real treasure. Jesus spoke about treasure in heaven, which is untouchable and will never be devalued.
Dear reader, have you a healthy relationship with God? Have you been born again and given eternal life? Is your life now focussed upon living for God and seeking to lay up treasure in heaven?
These questions may seem strange to a person who says that there is no God, but they cannot be avoided, just as the effects of the killer virus on the world today. These are problems that need to be addressed. Galatians chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 says 'Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father'. Paul said in Galatians chapter 2 verse 20 'the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
The smart thing to do is to get right with God, to confess your sin and to receive his forgiveness and be saved.
To lose ones wealth is much,
To lose ones health is more,
But to lose one's soul in Hell
Is such that nothing can restore.
Written by a Guest Blogger
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