“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8
When the media first began reporting on the coronavirus, I didn’t really think it would impact my life very much. After all, it was far away in China. I thought it was just a “bad flu” that would eventually run its course, and that would be that.
Now I know that the coronavirus is much more than just a “bad flu.” Classified by the WHO as a pandemic, covid-19 (the virus identifier), is responsible for more than 6,500 deaths worldwide. Our state is taking unprecedented precautions with the temporary closures of schools, libraries, government offices, and other public places. Grocery stores are selling out of goods as people are stockpiling in the event of necessary quarantine. Churches are shifting from actual worship services to virtual services via livestreaming.
Through all of this, social media bombards us with a plethora of posts about the coronavirus. (If you haven’t seen any, you are a rare individual indeed!) There are all sorts of warnings about the virus coming soon to every neighborhood, who is high-risk (and many of us are!), and recommendations of how to keep ourselves safe.
Since covid-19 is “caught” by introducing the virus to the body via direct contact, handwashing is one of the most important ways we can protect ourselves. Handwashing helps remove the germs from our hands and keep us from transferring them to our noses or mouths. Because of this, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Did you know the Bible talks about handwashing as well? It’s not in regards to the coronavirus, but it is connected to another life-threatening element in our lives – sin. Sin can wreck havoc on each of us by destroying our lives, ruining our families, and separating us from God.
- Sin enslaves us.
- “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34
- Sin corrupts us.
- “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption...” Galatians 6:8
- Sin separates us from God.
- “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
- Sin causes death.
- “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23
- Sin leads to eternal punishment.
- “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment…” Matthew 25:46
Unlike the coronavirus, there is a cure for sin. Even though we are continually surrounded by sin, the Bible tells us there is a remedy that is available to everyone. It is the blood of Christ that can wash away (forgive) all sin and make us pure and righteous in the sight of God. 1 John 1:7 tells us, “…and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
When we ask Christ to forgive us of our sins, He does so immediately. We are no longer held captive by sin’s power; we are saved from eternal separation from God as the last part of Romans 6:23 states. Our sins, which once infiltrated our lives has been eradicated by the work Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31) Once we accept Christ’s forgiveness, we are no longer “infected” by sin. Instead, we have been made spiritually whole.
When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we no longer need to fear the power of sin over us. We must be vigilant to keep ourselves protected against sin’s enticements. The Bible reminds us to “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Additionally, we must “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Like a strong virus, it takes time to make changes in your life, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
The Bible states, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) As we isolate ourselves from the coronavirus, so should we isolate ourselves from the sins that threaten our Christianity. We must still be wise in caring for ourselves both physically and spiritually.
As the fears of the coronavirus escalate, people begin to be more proactive (as the empty toilet paper shelves can attest). As they learn more about covid-19, they do everything they can to protect themselves against it. Sin is just as deadly. It will kill your soul. Learn everything you can about it from the Word of God, and then do everything you can to protect yourself from it.
Handwashing is one way to stave off the coronavirus. For sin, Jesus Christ is the way… the only way…and the truth… and the life! (John 14:6)
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
(from “Are You Washed in the Blood?” by E. A. Hoffman)
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7
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You may be quarantined from the world, but you are never isolated from God!