Good morning
I was searching for a job during the height of the spread of the Coronavirus and “social isolation” period of the pandemic. Then, I was offered a job opportunity and needed to go take the drug test. Dilemma: The day before I was scheduled to go in I was feeling some cold like symptoms. I had already sent in my forms, including the “I have no symptoms” virus form they were now requiring. Plus, I needed to get back to work badly. I had been out of work and under employed for almost two years. My last job owed my $5000+, but could not pay me due to losing this major customer, six months after they were supposed to have paid me. Now, all my bills (e.g., Mortgage, credit cards, utilities, etc) were past due, not to mention my checking account was on “E.” I could not get money out of my retirement account, unless I was in foreclosure. I was now torn, do I take me stuffy sniffles to the drug test or don’t I!
Question: What would you do? WWJD?
I absolutely considered going, but the night before, in the news, I heard the story of an elderly man who gave up his respirator to a teenager who needed it. Wow!!! I believe this man did what Jesus wants us to do, put others first. Now that takes courage and character! Note: The elderly man died and I was considering putting others at risk for money!
Option 1: Like millions of Americans and business owners, I need to get back to work, but not “by any means necessary!” Option 2: If homeless, I (We) can survive to fight another day, as many do today! As a Christian, I can tell you, I felt some sense of shame and conflict, as I considered putting “money” over LIVES, if only for a moment. This coronavirus is as much a “character” test, as it is deadly. No doubt, “self-preservation” is a human trait, but how many lives are we willing to put at risk so that “I” can survive? Then, again, if the economy tanks, who survives! Does it matter? It ALL matters! In my case, my “selfish moment” passed. I am clear (now), I refuse to put others at risk and did the right thing (for me and, I believe, for many others) by self-isolating.
Lives or livelihood, what a choice for anyone to have to make! We must weigh the real cost, options and outcomes. There is a “right answer!” Jesus once asked, “who do the people say I am?” Then he asked, “Who do you say I am?” My question to you, “Who do you say you are?” If a Christian, “feed my flock” is a good start! My prayers to all who have to make this choice, lives over livelihood, in this moment! The bible foretold of trials like these. We do not fear what we know. There is wisdom in the word, a book I (and many others) have not opened often enough. Get knowledge, open the book (e.g., Psalm 119:1 – stop when you have a clue)!
“In God We Trust,” isn’t it about time we put God first, not just on our money or pursuit of it!
Note To Self (Just thinking aloud)
p.s., THIS TOO SHALL PASS! It’s biblical!
Pass it on!