HOW COMMENT STREAMS MIGHT BE ADDING TO OUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY
Here we are, still at home.
Here we are, still practicing social distancing and self-isolation. Here we are, many not working, and definitely not attending any parties!
Within this reality, as we discussed yesterday, the conversation has shifted. There is a mental and emotional strain that is being felt.
- First, by COVID-19 related illnesses, and subsequent risk to loved ones.
- Second, the financial fallout that has already hit, and will continue to take shape.
- Third, the latest strain, the mental and emotional impact of not being locked away from people.
It turns out, we need community.
We actually need physical community. It turns out, people need people!
So, what can we do about it? How are people responding to being on lock-down? And how should we respond?
Yesterday, we began a 3-Step process titled “The Diligence of Purity, Peace, and Patience.” We looked into 2 Peter 3, to address and work through the mental and emotional strain placed on society in general, because of our COVID-19 reality.
Yesterday, we discussed the increased risks to our purity, with unlimited time and access to the internet, and all the dark places that can lead to. Then we looked at 2 Peter 3:14-15, to find answers. (If you didn’t catch the post, the link’s below.)
Step 2: The Diligence of Peace
We’re jumping back into 2 Peter 3 for more insight.
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters.
2 Peter 3:14-16a
Peter’s speaking to a group of Christians who are waiting for Christ’s return, during uncertain, and risky times. There’s fear and anxiety, and so much unknown about what the future might hold.
Does that sound familiar? In our current moment, we can get a lot from this passage.
In verse 14, Peter reminds them that “since you are waiting…be diligent to be found by him…at peace…” He begs the question, what are you focused on during this time of waiting?
When Christ returns, what will He find you doing?
Then he speaks to them about diligent thoughts and behaviours, the first being purity, as we discussed yesterday. Then he moves to the diligence of peace.
Why is peace important?
When fear, stress, and anxiety of the unknown enters our lives, some of us feel the urge for conflict. We’re frustrated, but we don’t know where to place that frustration.
Think about the past 2 months. When COVID-19 first broke, the comment streams were full of, “We’re in this together!” and “We will overcome!”
That quickly disappeared didn’t it?
Now the comment streams are battle grounds for people to lay out their complaints, and frustrations surrounding every topic under the sun. Thankfully, we haven’t turned on medical staff yet, but who knows what’s coming this week?
Peter’s reminds us to embrace the peace of Christ.
But what does that look like in our current situation? It starts with a relinquishing of control. Jesus was at peace because He submitted his life, and even His death into the Father’s hands.
We should do the same.
When we take that position, the diligence of peace that Peter calls us to, starts to bloom. We start adding positive messages into comment streams, we start reaching out to people, to see how they’re holding up, and we pray for people.
We start praying for everyone!
- We pray for the politicians, that they might have wisdom.
- We pray for the medical and health care workers, that they might have discernment, and drive to keep moving forward.
- We pray for the safety, and stability of our friends, neighbours, our city, and our nation.
The Peace of Christ, brings us to pray in Christ.
Today is your moment. How will you embrace the diligence of peace today?
As you log on to social media, maybe a Zoom call with co-workers; how will be peace drive you to impact your world for Jesus? How will you relinquish control to the Father, and pray for His intervention?
