Not Afraid: How Christians Can Respond to CrisesSample

We are sacrificial, not selfish. In the wake of pandemics, natural disasters, or other crises, it’s natural to want to hoard supplies and think of yourself first. And while it’s certainly not wrong to protect and provide for yourself and your family, as Jesus-followers, we are called to be sacrificial, not selfish. Check out what Paul wrote about that: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT If we say we follow Jesus, but our lives don’t look like Jesus’ life—then we have to ask ourselves if we’re really following Jesus. In times of crisis, many people will turn inward. They’ll stock up supplies, hide themselves away, and hoard their resources. While there’s nothing wrong with being prepared, as the body of Christ, we put others first. There’s a difference between wisely preparing and selfishly storing. If there’s a pandemic or emergency in your area, you should absolutely follow guidelines from your governmental and health officials. You should absolutely listen to wise council and prepare yourself and your loved ones. But we cannot serve ourselves at the expense of others. Just think about the early Church. They continually met together. They sold property and personal possessions so that they could meet needs in their community. It wasn’t about the church building. It was about the people. As Jesus-followers, we are the Church. No matter what is happening in the world around us, we are called to lead the way in irrational generosity. We are called to be the Church by loving those around us the way Jesus would. We share with those in need. We stand ready to do what is good. We think of others before ourselves. Jesus wasn’t selfish. He was sacrificial. He gave up His life so that we could find ours. As His followers, we lead the way—especially in emergencies—by being sacrificial, not selfish. Pray: God, thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Help me to follow that example by living sacrificially, not selfishly. God, reveal to me any opportunities where I can serve others and share Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.