This is part IV of our series on Identity
As we wrap up this series on our Identity in Christ, let’s look at our identity considering the Covid-19 pandemic.
2020… ushered in a new decade, full of promises, hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
In our fast-paced society, we value performance and excellence with a dash of vacation or fun sprinkled in here and there.
A Listening Heart
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At the start of 2020, most of us looked forward to continuing our normal life as usual. Each day, we hop on the busyness treadmill with our mile-long to-do lists and juggle work, travel, business, school, family, ball games, and many other responsibilities. This was our normal.
Superficially, we were happy, or so we thought.
Until we heard the breaking news… a novel respiratory virus infecting people in China, Italy and other parts of Europe.
It seemed so far away.
We did not need to worry too much about it. We felt immune. So, we continued with our busy lives, driving places, conducting business, and hoping for the best.
Redefining Normal
Suddenly, like an unexpected thief in the night, the Coronavirus pandemic snuck into our country.
Just like that, we were involuntarily enrolled in a pandemic that continues to cause massive disruption to life as we know it. With each new day, it became obvious that this pandemic would affect the economy, healthcare, restaurants, stores, large and small businesses, and schools. No aspect of our lives was immune from its impact, including our physical and emotional wellbeing. It made us stop and ask:
Now what?
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 1:3, 2:10-11 has some words for us…
Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher. Completely meaningless!
What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go but the earth never changes. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied, No matter how much we hear, we are not content (Ecclesiastes 1:8).
How do you see yourself considering this pandemic? Who are you when everything you hold dear is stripped away? Is your identity based on who God says you are or is it determined by your possessions and accomplishments?
What we can learn from this COVID-19 pandemic is that if we base our identity on possessions, status, accomplishments, recognition, performance, we will be disheartened. According to Solomon, it is all meaningless. Knowing and walking in our identity as children of God will give us hope to trust God during hard times including this pandemic and social unrest.
Opportunities to Embrace a New Normal
As we continue to grapple with this pandemic, it is good to make time for reflection and embrace the new normal. Let’s look back at all our pursuits and accomplishments and ask some basic questions. We would miss important opportunities if we fail to stop and reflect before getting back on the busy treadmill.
Grab a journal, reflect, and write your responses to the questions.
- Who am I?
- Is this all there is to life?
- What is my purpose?
- What lessons can I learn from this pandemic?
- What do I want? More time with God, money, job, family time, or less stress?
- What are my priorities? What do I need to take off my plate so I can have room for a more fulfilling life?
There is no doubt that we are in a new normal. How you and I choose to go forward will determine whether we come out on the other side changed for the better.
Embrace your identity in Christ so you can truly determine what is important to you.
Prayer
Lord thank you for reminding me of my identity as a child of God. Thank you for the opportunity to draw my heart closer to you. Amen
