As the global economy struggles with the effects of the coronavirus, businesses have been forced to change their business models out of necessity.

On a smaller scale, this often means that businesses have had to dynamically change the way they operate or shut down entirely. Restaurants across the country have closed their dining rooms, some relying on delivery and takeout only, while others have developed “quarantine kits” for purchase that include meals that can be made at home and other grocery essentials. Some have even tapped into their commercial supply of paper goods to offer toilet paper to their customers!¹ In the hospitality industry, empty hotels have been repurposed to provide places to stay for the homeless, or for healthcare workers who have isolated themselves from their families to keep them safe.² Car manufacturers have reconfigured their factories to build ventilators³ and facemasks⁴ and CEOs are cutting their own salaries to ensure that their employees are paid during these times.⁵ It is encouraging to see the adaptability of businesses small and large and the kindness of certain businessmen as they strive to protect their employees.

The orders across the world to isolate and quarantine have done much to disturb the daily lives of Christians worldwide. Here at ICR, we’ve had to modify our operations to ensure that we are complying with the latest legal mandates provided by the authorities having jurisdiction over ICR’s activities, as well as to implementing work-from-home practices to keep our staff safe. But, as to ICR’s overall mission and message, our core purpose has not changed in the slightest. In fact, during these difficult times, Christians should be full of a renewed sense of purpose in a darkened world.

In the gospel of John, Jesus states, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”⁶ Let it never be said of the Church during difficult times that we turn our gaze inward, loving ourselves more than those around us! When there is so much to be worried about, it can be easy to focus on ourselves, our families, and our small circles of close friends. It is imperative that we show the love and glory of Christ to those around us in any way we can, especially when isolation is causing so many people to feel unloved.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminds us to be grateful. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”⁷ Despite the tremendous uncertainty in the world today, expressing gratitude to our Creator should be a constant in our lives. While the present world is unsure, our eternal future is secure.

Finally, in Matthew, Jesus says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”⁸ We know that in the end, this world will pass away with all of its sin, death, and sickness. Let us be about our Father’s business, as we share the news that Christ has paid for our sin, and that we no longer have to fear the grave.⁹

References
1. Gubbins, T. Dallas restaurants try out kits and other clever coronavirus strategies. Dallas Culture Map. Posted on dallas.culture.map.com March 31, 2020, accessed April 10, 2020.
2. Smith, D. Once $400 a night, this Westside L.A. hotel is now for homeless people fleeing coronavirus. Los Angeles Times. Posted on latimes.com April 6, 2020, accessed April 10, 2020.
3. Staff Writer. Capitalism Meets Coronavirus: Our Daily Policy Blog. Just Capital. Posted on justcapital.com April 9, 2020, accessed April 10, 2020.
4. Howard, P. W. Miracle in Plymouth: UAW worker celebrates Ford making 1M face shields in 13 days. Detroit Free Press. Posted on freep.com April 6, 2020, accessed April 10, 2020.
5. Kelly, J. CEOs Are Cutting Their Own Salaries In Response To The Coronavirus. Forbes. Posted on forbes.com March 30, 2020, accessed April 10, 2020.
6. John 13:34-35.
7. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
8. Matthew 24:14.
9. 1 Corinthians 15.

*Trey Bowling is Customer Service Manager at the Institute for Creation Research.