“SINGAPORE – Singapore has started its journey towards living with COVID-19, with most restrictions expected to be lifted before the year ends.” What is behind this decision? What will the new normal look like? Is the timing right? Here is a look at Singapore’s strategy to deal with the pandemic and how it could unfold.
Reopening with care
The restrictions are hurting the economy, said Professor Euston Quah, an economics guru at the Nanyang Technological University. And Singaporeans are battle-weary, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said. Everyone agrees on the need to open up, and that this must be done when the safety of people is assured. The key lies in getting the majority of people vaccinated so they are protected against severe illness and death.”
The restrictions are hurting the economy and making Singaporeans battle-weary. In the same way, with restrictions on returning to church for worship and fellowship, it has made many of us battle-weary in our Christian life. We need to take measures to ensure we live a vibrant Christian life despite changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an article by Chaplain William Creech “Building your spiritual life during changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic”, he writes, “Here is my advice on how to build your spiritual life during this time of change: Just do it.”
Nike has the slogan “Just Do It,” and this is good advice during this crisis. The first thing to do is to do something in such an unprecedented time. During this COVID-19 response, my team was reminded “Don’t waste a crisis.” That is, find something to do.
As we are called to work from or stay at home, it is important that we use this time to reflect on our lives and how we might do things differently.
An idle mind could lead to anxiety and depression. On the contrary, purposefully doing something heightens your spiritual energy when you view it as worthwhile, value-added work, rather than just completing tasks. To put it succinctly, concentrate on where our divine God wants you to serve, and that will be the most effective work you can do.
Strive To Live Out A Fulfilled Spiritual Life
COVID-19 is invoking many of us to think about how we are spending our time. Previously, much of our lives had been consumed by multiple activities. We are socially busy human beings by nature. So this time away from our colleagues and general public is novelty for many of us. One wonders if social distancing might become the new norm. So purposefully making time out for spiritual life-building can become a part of the change of filling what might be a void of loneliness. Focus on tasks and items which bring fulfilment, our joy and peace. Grow your spiritual life. Do not carry on with activities only to fill the time. View the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity, rather than just a challenge. While the COVID-19 pandemic is a mammoth challenge, filled with added stress and loneliness, the existential part of change, or affirmation of the change, in itself is as much a stress as the pandemic itself. Once again, I go back to the adage of “Don’t waste a good crisis.” The seemingly opposing perspectives of the glass half-full versus glass half-empty touches on changing one’s perception. One way to be prepared for the best—or worst—case scenarios, is to see the opportunities amid the challenges. A story was once told of a famous inventor whose laboratory blew up. When asked how the situation has turned against him, it was said that he replied, “Good, all my mistakes have been erased.” If we view COVID-19 differently, it could be to reflect on our lives, and how we may be able to find opportunities in the “alone” time.
During these changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, let us, by God’s grace, live a vibrant Christian life. Let us not be idle but find a ministry that you can serve God. Be disciplined in your quiet time and prayer. Make an effort to meet with God and fellow Christians for worship and fellowship. If you are not doing so, attend Sunday School and reach out to those who are in need. Seize the time to spread the gospel. May you look forward to returning to church for worship and fellowship. Let us spur one another to good works as we see the day approaching. Hebrews10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Let us continue to live a vibrant Christian life in the midst of changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.