The conversation has shifted.

The conversation has shifted in the past couple of weeks. We’re hearing a lot more about the mental and emotional strain related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The virus itself, and its effects on loved ones is taking a toll. Then there’s the financial fall-out of the virus, both currently, and in the future.

But now, the strain of social distancing, and self-isolation is becoming more, and more of an important topic.

It turns out people need people.

And the fact that Spring has sprung is not helping! People are yearning for campfires and BBQs, hiking and fishing, and maybe even just a simple lunch in the park with friends.

It makes sense after all, because we were designed for community. Because of this, we’re struggling.

The Mental and emotional strain is leading to depression, family conflicts, substance abuse, and more.

What can we do? Where can we turn?

I believe the Bible can provide us with some answers. I hope to highlight some of the symptoms, and struggles that we’re working through. Then, provide some prescriptions to provide relief.

To get us started, check out this passage of Scripture.

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 begins, “Therefore…since you’ve been waiting…” The background here (explained earlier in chapter 3), is that Jesus has ascended to heaven to be with the Father, but has promised to return. The original audience is enduring a time of uncertainty, facing heavy Roman imperial rule.

As they endure this uncertain time, waiting for Christ’s return, Peter provides a few things to focus on.

The Diligence of Purity, Peace, and Patience

Peter speaks to three specific areas of life, to focus on during uncertain times, while we wait for Christ’s return. Over the next three days, I’ll be unpacking each of these in a three step process.

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Step 1: The Diligence of Purity

In verse 14, Peter writes, “…be found by him without spot or blemish…” This is a pointer to Jesus, that He is the pure, spotless Lamb that was slain to atone for our sin. This points to His purity.

As we walk through uncertain times, we should try our best to be diligent in our personal purity, modelling Christ, as best we can. This can have a very positive impact on our mental, and emotional well-being.

What does this look like practically?

It means being diligent in our thoughts, and behaviours, related to purity.

Think about it. Right now, we have a lot of alone time, working from home, without accountability, but with unrestricted internet usage. That can get dark, quick!

As an example, ask yourself, “How is binging Tiger King impacting my thoughts, and emotions? How will this show impact my mind? Will I be more or less mentally, and emotionally healthy after watching this series?”

Personally, I started watching the series after hearing all the hype, about what a great show it was. By the second episode, I had to stop!

I realized that it went into far darker places then advertised! It was definitely not a simple murder-mystery. The personal lives, behavioural choices, and graphic content displayed could definitely erode purity, in a hurry.

Unfortunately, there’s more.

Sorry to go darker still, but we can’t neglect the increased opportunity for pornography, sexual video messaging, and array of other purity-eroding temptations that are out there, on the internet.

These addictions are increasing during the COVID-19 reality.

They will rot our mental, and emotional well-being. We will not feel healthier, or better about ourselves, nor our circumstances if we consume this type of content. The depression, anxiety, conflicts, and negative self-worth will follow.

Instead, as Peter calls us to, be diligent in our purity during this crisis. Strive “to be found by him without spot or blemish” whenever, and how ever we can. If our heart and mind could speak, they’d thank us for it!

Because they have enough to deal with right now.

How do I practice diligence in purity?

Basically, our minds will consume 3 types of content:

• Spiritual Positive (Points us to Jesus.)
• Spiritually Neutral (Points us to life in general.)
• Spiritually Negative (Points us to sin.)

CAVEAT: I am not saying you can only consume content about Jesus, and nothing else. (Let’s face it; most Christian movies have REALLY bad acting!)

I’m simply highlighting a small scale to think through.

Whenever we’re consuming content, I think this is a helpful way to determine whether or not the content will be healthy for us. I’m tempted to give examples, but I’ll refrain because you’re intelligent people.

Before watching, reading, engaging with social media, just ask yourself, “Will this lead my heart and mind to Jesus, or to sin?” If neither; it’s likely neutral content that won’t have an impact either way.