The Mutating Virus

Before we take a formal break from this Novel Covid 19 that has won many headlines, I would wish we look at its mutating nature. Corona virus started out as a simple virus, grew into an epidemic, a month or so later it was a pandemic and now, world health organization have said it might be here to stay and thus, endemic. The results of this latest mutation stage is seen and experienced world over. Some countries and states are seen going back to business, of course its never business as usual or rather the old self...Wuhan for instance lock down has been lifted, Italy and other countries are also trying as hard to salvage their economies. Kenya as well has even begun to open the hotel industry just when we thought a lockdown was Paramount.

So, what should be our new normal if its here with us, here to stay?!let's consider these 5 things.

Social and physical distancing for everyone wherever and whenever. Now every sector of the economy has to adapt to this new way of life even into he struggling developing countries. Overcrowding in our open markets will have to stop and avoiding such crowded places will be a good way to start decongestion. Partying and other celebrations will also take a new shift giving technology a chance to boom.

Masks adornment in public places. A new dress code for all of us world over calling to cover a place we have for a long time not thought of as an essential covering part except by the medics at work. When buying clothes we might also consider which mask will go well with this or that dress/suit.

Personal hygiene. I just noticed that male sex is dominating in the corona virus positive cases growing by the day. Reminding me of how careless many men and boys can be in their personal hygiene compared to the women and I believe this just answers it all. If only they discovered this secret ingredient, the spread would cease a great deal and the curve, flattened. Shopping will be accompanied by another special ingredient that has been forgotten long enough by many who see it as luxurious-the sanitizer especially important for travels and acting as an alternative to soap and water.

Stop being touchy. Careless touching of surfaces and our face unnecessarily is another new normal that will be discouragely adopted. The cleaners all over, in the house, the offices, the cars and all these places will have to be extra careful as well as do a more thorough job, otherwise they will put many at a risk.

Minimal traveling, staying and working from home.  Right now, many have already adopted the work from home strategy, laying off many casual workers. Its such a pain to many unskilled or low skilled people but again, this seems to be the new normal even for the coming days. If its workable while am home, why should I continue renting a space, having many on payrole and do forth and so forth. Technology does the magic. Even learning might go online with distant learning and e learning becoming the better option to many. Only a few sectors will need to resume work manually such as the manufacturing and juakali as we know it in Kenya. Many will also minimize traveling to high risk areas by all means and also by public means and thus going private-uber or even buying your own car if in a position at least for the safety of your family. Worship is also going digital. Ultimately though, those careful enough will spend more time at home rather than in the public.

So then, what is the mutating nature of sin and how should we live with it in this sinful world that our first parents left us in?!

Case study

Matthew  5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:  5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:  5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:  5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.  5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:  5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:  5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.  5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:  5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.  5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

I hope the text wasn't that long that you skipped it...any how, the point here is this:

 Sin is not sin because you committed it physically, rather even from you conceiving it in mind, you have committed it. So, don't even think of it.

How then do we live well without having to infect ourselves and others of this sin virus that has also caused the globe so much pollution and panic?

Open the doors of your heart and home to Jesus. For He stands at the door knocking, if we hear him he is ready to come in and give us direction. Many families today are suffering because they regarded wealth and power more than Jesus and actually call for him when they need him...in trouble. However, this should not be it. At all times ought to be the center of our attention, center of our circle.

Cleansing our hearts and renewing our mind and covenant with the lord each day. Imagine of someone willing to bring Jesus in their dirty house but not willing for him to change a thing in there nor them making any attempt to clean it up. How will a perfect being stay in a dirty place?! Thus, it's not enough to bring him in to our hearts. We need to be willing for him to transform and renew our hearts as well as conform from our earlier behaviours of this world.

Keeping away from what defiles us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and Don't even tell me its not possible because if Enoch did it in such an immoral season that he lived through and with a family just like most of us do, we can too in our generation today. For that reason, as Paul says, bad character ruin good morals, thus we also need to keep a distance any negative vibes people including those who pull us back rather than help us focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Adornment: we are also supposed to take off our filthy rags and wear the righteousness of christ without which we can not be justified. John is clearer on this when he says "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."

Finally, we need to be decided on whose side we are on, like Elijah asked. "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him." Joshua on the other hand says clearly, "as for me and my house, we shall serve the lord" how about you? Are you on the Lord's side when in need but walk away once you get what wanted? Talk to us.