The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The disease was detected in three patients with pneumonia connected to the cluster of acute respiratory illness. By the end of two months, several were experiencing sustained local transmission of coronavirus disease. Four months later, the disease has spread to all continents of the world and the impact of the disease has left a significant portion of the world in either a partial or complete lockdown with limited movements. The condition has stretched the health systems and continues to impact economies and supply chains in an unprecedented way.
The World Health Organisation has outlined public health and social measures useful for slowing or stopping the spread of COVID-19 at national or community level. Some of these measures include maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by regularly and thoroughly cleaning hands with an alcohol-based sanitiser or wash them with soap and water. Also, social and physical distancing measures, including for mass gatherings, are recommended as measures that help contain COVID-19. Additionally, you need to stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow the advice given by your healthcare providers, your public health authority or even your employer on how best to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Spiritual lethargy is an equally severe sickness common among Christians. For you to overcome the disease, I recommend you adhere to the following guidelines:
1.Maintain highest levels of spiritual hygiene possible by regularly and thoroughly confessing your sins to God and asking for His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
2.Adopting the recommended spiritual distancing measures to increase contact with God while encouraging and sustaining spiritual connection with him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…” And in Jeremiah 33:3, ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
3.Maintain a healthy connection with believers by meeting together with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
4.Follow the advice given in the scriptures on how to protect yourself and others from spiritual lethargy. The Psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Reading and meditating on the word of God will go a long way in keeping you spiritually alert. Psalm 119:11. The Psalmist considers a man who is blessed as one who delights himself in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2.
In this season of social distancing, limited movements and the advice to stay home to save lives, we can take advantage of the situation to deal with our spiritual condition. It is essential to maintain Spiritual disciplines to remain healthy.
