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We are living in times like we have never seen before. The news of the coronavirus pandemic has overtaken all media in unprecedented ways. 

You see, it’s during times like these that we are not Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, but we are Americans. We stand together to come against this pandemic. 

Please, let’s put our politics aside so future generations will say of us as they reflect on how we, as Americans, handled this pandemic (to quote Sir Winston Church) “this was their finest hour.”

There used to be daily updates, now it seems there are updates “every 15 minutes,” and even when they’re giving their update, more updates are handed to them.

So what is the church to do? 

When Gov. Andy Beshear first asked churches not have services, I, as a pastor, was not happy, as it seemed he was asking churches not to have service but didn’t include other “large gathering places.

That was until I heard that the first five or so people to get the virus were from the same church. Whether or not I agreed with his request I, at that point, understood the reason for the request. Therefore, churches around the nation are having to make tough decisions about their services and events (just as are the president, governors and other elected officials). I encourage you to pray for our elected officials that are having to deal with this pandemic.

Again, I ask, what is the church to do? 

For those who attend church regularly, keep in mind, that while your church is having to rearrange service schedules and all, that all churches depend on the generosity of their attendees. Please keep paying your tithes, giving your offerings each week so the church doesn’t have to worry about the financial part of its business. Whether we like to think of this part or not, there is a business side of the church and the church depends on the tithes and offerings of each one of us to continue to minister inside and outside its walls. Whether they are full-time or part-time, most pastors, pandemic or not, are always on call.

Again, I ask, what is the church to do?

Just as we are Americans going through this we are also the church. At this time, we’re not Baptists, Methodist, Pentecostal or what other label your church has. If you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, whose sins are washed away because of the blood Jesus shed on Mt. Calvary, you, I, we are the church.

So what is the church to do?

It’s time that we, the church, arise to our rightful place in this city, state, nation and the world.

What is our rightful place? 

We should be giving the message that while this virus is not from God, God can work His will through this pandemic. We must trust Him to bring healing to those who have contracted the virus and peace to those who are anxious about getting the virus, and proclaim through such trying times that anyone can turn to Jesus and receive Him, that through Him they can have peace and comfort even through a world-wide pandemic. 

You see, I have prayed and continue to pray that this virus does not come “nigh” my dwelling, my family’s dwelling, my church and the families in my church (their dwellings).

Psalm 91:9-10 reminds us “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” 

Make Him your habitation today so He can be your refuge. Turn to Him. Receive Him as your Lord and Savior.

What is the church to do?

Arise, church and show everyone that you come in contact with that (to quote Pastor Morgan) Jesus Christ is still the hope of the world.

Mike Smith is the executive pastor at Church of the Living God on Franklin Avenue. He can be reached at pastormike@wincitycolg.com.