TRANSCRIPT: Good morning, Five Minute Families. We come to you from Clear View Retreat – a non-profit organization that ministers to families in the norms and storms of life. The pandemic closures have caused numerous challenges for all of us, but we know that God will be glorified.
Amid this COVID chaos, many people have experienced fears and financial difficulties to name a few. Y’all, as Steve Austin of 180degreesministries and the book “Getting Your Life on Target” would say, “EVERYTHING is always all about God.”
“Everything is ALWAYS all about God.”
“Everything is always all about GOD.”
Now, Steve would have done it enough to stress each word, but you get the idea. Basically, we must choose this day whom we will serve. Five Minute Family, can you say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” even during a pandemic?
Does your family still live life and life abundantly? I asked my facebook friends on Saturday to share one word to describe their family life right now. While it is true that these times can be described as stressful, heartbreaking, and divided, almost 90% of the descriptions were positive, despite the shortages and concerns. Intentional (our personal favorite), cozy, sacred, home, and blessed were a few of them.
Most of them could be grouped into five categories. So, in the midst of the COVID CHAOS, we bring you the top five ways folks are “counting it all joy” as encouraged in James 1:2. We are using the word CHAOS for our top five categories acronym because all things – even covid chaos – work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
First in our acronym is C. Many people labeled their time as calm and peaceful. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Five Minute Families, when we rest in God’s peace and allow the simplicity of the moment to bless us, we bring more to the world than we can with all our busy-ness.
One of the top two categories falls under H for happy and joyful. Being content in all different kinds of circumstances can be a challenge, but it is wonderful to hear how many families are striving hard after John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” During this time, we should seek to create sweet memories that will last a lifetime.
Next is A. Some folks described their family life as adapting and adjusting. Being uncertain often brings out the worst in people, but most folks are allowing themselves to thrive in unusual spaces and places. Paul illustrated this in 1 Corinthians 9:19-20 – “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.”
Most families are focused on the constructive elements of togetherness which brings us to the O in chaos – others. Romans 12:10 urges us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Using this time to reconnect with your family members, even the ones you are isolated away from, is extremely important. Making those intentional calls and video chats is vital to bonding and having a united, cohesive family.
Finally, we have S for supportive and protecting the needy. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Church, realize that people are watching. As so many memes are illustrating, this is our time to show the world that the Church is not a building. We are God’s people. For some, that means continuing to work as needed since they are considered essential but for others that means staying home as requested.
We don’t want to debate the right or wrong of the choices our officials have made; there will be time enough for that in the months ahead, but what we want to do is reassure God’s people, you our Five Minute Families, that choosing to focus on God and those He has placed in our lives will never be a bad thing.
May the God of all hope hold you close in these days and give you joy in the midst of the challenges. Please check out more about us at clearviewreteat.org. God bless!
