A Better Way
It is so interesting how our world typically is driven by goals and projections that we strive to achieve to keep things orderly and yet bring change. And then one day a virus shows up and turns our projections to fears and disorder. It seems that we are either boasting about our achievements or paralyzed by our fears. There is a better way. PMC Consider: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.’ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:13-17)
This thought was written by Paul M. Curtas, General Director of FCAP.
What we are learning through the present pandemic is that people are quickly moved by fear, and the results can be far more devastating than what they feared. Fear is something we all face, but we must ask, “Have these fears become a driving and motivating force in our life?” If so we need to humbly turn to God and acknowledge that He gives us (through the Holy Spirit) a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind to overcome our spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15). PMC Consider: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
Statistics in general can be impersonal…they represent figures and sum totals. Just looking at the growing statistics of the coronavirus and the rippling effects are overwhelming; people feel vulnerable and concerned that they could become part of them. All of this reinforces their fear. Additionally, the current public mood is changing us personally. Yes, we need to use hygiene and precautions with one another, but are we looking at people as transmitters, and treating them coldly, as potential threats. As Christians we need to realize that God asks us to be transmitters of something in a different way. We have opportunity to spread comfort and show concern in these times. But in order to become this kind of God-infused transmitter, we must embrace God and possess His comfort so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Then we must be willing to show that by being kind, considerate and concerned for others around us.
As Christians, God’s presence is said to reside in us (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 14:17). This means our presence at work represents God’s solutions for those who work around us. Not that we are the answer to people’s problems. But rather, we embody and portray God’s saving grace from the power of enslavement to sin, as we demonstrate His presence working in us. As we humble ourselves to Him, His work and power in us provides us the ability to demonstrate to those around us God’s patience and kindness, instead of our frustration and disdain. Our presence in the workplace should give a reflection of the God who created and redeemed us. (PMC) Consider: “But you are… a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The latest news and statistics about the Coronavirus and where it may be heading next has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. We hear how many are being infected by it, and sadly, that people have died from it. All this is having a paralyzing effect on many. This is not only impacting the lives of people personally, but also it has affected areas of commerce where business is being cancelled. The airline industry worldwide feels this, flights are being cancelled and employees are not working as much, which means reduced pay. We are watching the make-shift securities, that seem to support, protect and comfort our lives, slowly erode away. So how should we view and respond to these threats? First, do not become overly obsessed by all the news reports. These reports can be overstated and listening to them constantly breeds fear. Instead, act responsibly and use precaution by following common sense health guidelines of good hygiene. Most important is that God invites us to enter into the greatest fear, that of fearing Him. The Bible speaks repeatedly of the importance of “fearing the Lord.” When we “fear” God, we respect and trust His ways and provisions. It does not make us more fearful, because we understand His great power and His love for us (1 John 4:16-19). Actually, fearing God is what dispels all of the other fears that enslave us. 
This ministry has been richly blessed over the years. In the late 1970’s, Rollingbrook Christian Retreat, located south of Fayetteville, GA, became home for the Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel International Office. Following the home going of our founder, Joe Ivey, we continue to experience a wonderful relationship with those who continue the Rollingbrook ministry and maintain the property here. This week they used our newly renovated room for a meeting. We thank the Lord for these families (Pictured l-r: Rachel and Walter Ivey, Carl Avrit, Angie and Andrew Provence, Julie and Dave Kilgore and Phyllis Avrit).