Mankind has always been plagued by diseases and epidemics. Jesus prophesied, “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands,…” So, how should a Christian respond to a pandemic in a way that glorifies God?

First, we should obey the laws of the land. If we are instructed to use masks and quarantine, let us do so. While at home, we may be able to focus more on the Lord and on our sanctification. We are living in the “hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10. The world tempts us away from the Lord. By living in quarantine, we don’t have as many opportunities to engage in fleshly entertainment, spend money on accumulating material things, focus on personal status at work and in the world. The reduction of some of these temptations, can help us refocus our lives on heavenly things.

Isaiah 55:2-3 (NKJV), “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me…Incline your ear and come to me. Hear, and your soul shall live…”

John 6:27 (NLT), “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.”

We may have more time to pray, study the Bible, memorize scriptures, phone the lonely and sick, and walk more closely with God. In many ways, quarantine can be a great spiritual blessing. Philippians 3:13 (RSV), “Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” The lesson we learn is to look away from the worldly distractions and focus on God.

Additional Resources:

For children, parents and Bible class teachers, please watch this short, animated video:
Christian Questions CQ Kids Video: “Did God send the Coronavirus?”

Christian Questions Podcast Episode #1145: “Is Your COVID-19 Christianity Still Being Tested?”
Action steps to prevent COVID-19 from compromising our Christianity
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes