Written by: Aaron Richy
Since the last part of this article, many have passed due to COVID-19 and many more have been infected. The virus shows no signs of abatement. Governments on one hand are trying to confine infected people and discussing the development of drugs and vaccines. However, there also seems to be the realization that the virus is here to stay, and we have got to live with it. I think that is key. In the industry and marketplace, the term ‘disruption’ is commonplace. It refers to an innovation that challenges the existing paradigm and turns the system on its head. A good example would be Reliance Jio. Promising a “Digital life” at unprecedented prices, it enabled millions of people to log on to the internet. India is now the world’s second-largest base of internet users. Other operators in the system had to cut down their prices to keep up with the competition. Disruptions open our eyes to the current state of systems while enabling a better way forward. I see the coronavirus as a disruption. It has enabled us to see the deficiencies in our lives, systems, and functioning. It has awakened us to our complacency – in healthcare, social relationships, and economic systems. It took a virus to burst our bubble.
“I see the Coronavirus as a disruption. It has enabled us to see the deficiencies in our lives, systems, and functioning. It has awakened us to our complacency – in healthcare, in social relationships and economic systems. It took a virus to burst our bubble”
How do we respond to this? Do we continue in our ways with a chip on our shoulders or do we embrace the disruption for what it is? Do we play the blame game among ourselves or do we try to understand where we went wrong? We must remember at this point, that our responses do not affect us alone, but the people around us too. I understand that by now most of us have read, discussed, and reflected upon the best possible response to COVID-19 – as individuals and a community. I believe though, that unless we grapple with the basis for our responses, we will struggle to keep them up. I would like to offer a few ideas so that we can help us discern the most appropriate response(s) to the situation around us. I have developed them from the Christian worldview.
I trust that God created us uniquely – in our being and purpose – in His image (says the Bible). He created us to (pro)create, steward, and govern His creation. These very purposes when lived out, will honur Him, and fulfill us. Our sinful nature, however, perverts our being and we are not able to live right. We play God. Instead of procreation, we try to control others’ lives; instead of stewardship, we assume ownership; instead of governing under God, we rule in direct opposition to Him. In the here and now, what follows is suffering, strife and hopelessness – even as we yearn for happiness, joy, and peace – and no matter how many advancements we make. This is all around us now. The lessons to be learned go beyond policy measures, changes in social behavior or even financial outlays. Such responses only lead to superficial changes that will soon be blown away any day by gusts of money, power, and greed.
“We play God. Instead of procreation, we try to control other’s lives; Instead of stewardship, we assume ownership; instead of governing under God, we rule in direct opposition to Him. In the here and now, what follows is suffering, strife and hopelessness – even as we yearn for happiness, joy, and peace – and no matter how many advancements we make, this is all around us now.”
I think to realize our position as human beings in the grand scheme of Creation, and before God – is the first step to take. Once we do, we will understand that we are not on our own, living for ourselves and that we are not in charge. Our response will then be to turn from our rebellion to God’s purposes for us. We will depend on Him for our lives and well-being. We will treat others as we treat ourselves and be sensitive to their needs regardless of their status. We will be responsible with our resources, using them for the good of others too. We will govern with justice, mercy, and without corruption. All this, however, is impossible without God’s help. We are unable to make ourselves right. We would need to be transformed from the inside out. In the process, our rebellion will surface, but God will refine us, restoring us to be who we were created to be.
“Once we do, we will understand that we are not our own, living for ourselves and that we are not in charge. Our response will be to turn from our rebellion to God’s purposes for us. We will depend on Him for our lives and well-being. We will treat others as we treat ourselves, and be sensitive to their needs regardless of their status. We will be responsible with our resources, using them for the good of others too. We will govern with justice, mercy, and without corruption.
Even as we are surrounded by times of trouble and we stare at an uncertain future, let us try to grapple with reality. We will find then that we will gladly place our hope in the right place. Hope in God is not optimism in the face of uncertainty, but the affirmation of His constancy and total control.
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