When COVID-19 struck, many individuals started new habits, and some went back to old habits that they knew they should have been doing anyway. But here is a question, what are some practices to continue after COVID-19 has ended?
Cultivating Friendships
Ecclesiastes 4:10, states “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble”. This text shows us the value of cultivating friendships. Friendships can have a significant impact on your health, wellbeing and spirituality. And due to COVID-19, many of us have developed the habit of checking in on our neighbours and friends. Just remember that after the pandemic has passed, you are still able to use videoconferencing, voice calls and SMS to maintain existing friendships and build new ones.
Staying Active Physically
There used to be a time when having no time was an excuse for not doing physical activity. Fortunate for us, the Corona Virus has taught us that exercise is possible at the gym, at the court or in your living room. Almost everyone has gotten into some physical activity since the beginning of the pandemic, and this is one habit you should keep up after the epidemic has ended. It’s not easy to keep up with this. However, look at the fact that staying physically active keeps you healthy, not just physically but mentally and spiritually too. You will realize there is a great benefit to keep this habit going.
Reading an Encouraging book
Everyone should read! With the rise of television, computer games and social networking, people no longer feel the need to pick up a book since they can turn on a TV set or scroll on their timelines. But nothing can compare to how the mind stretches when you read, and adding some content that offers encouragement will work wonders for your mental wellbeing. A quick google search for encouraging books will provide you with an endless list of books you can try, but don’t leave out the ones that are closest to you, i.e. your devotional, the Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the Bible itself.
Pursuing Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is different for everyone, and regardless of your experience, there is always a way to get closer to God and achieve spiritual growth. COVID may have given us some extra time in which we can use to pursue God, but let us not let it stop there. Let us try to solidify this habit so that after the pandemic this one will be cemented in us. If you find it challenging, break it down into simple steps.
Step One – Constant Prayer
Step Two – Daily lesson study and in-depth bible study
Ps: Remember, you can do this in a group too.
Understanding the Meaning of Events
The final chapter of Daniel sketches the events of world history at the concluding portion of “the time of the end,” when “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was”. We have seen the rise of new viruses, famine, frequent earthquakes, increase in crime and violence and many other unfortunate events. (Read Matthew 24) We need to understand the meaning of these events and what they signify. Remember the plan of salvation? Think about the Flood, in which only eight people survived; the Exodus from Egypt, which gave birth to the nation of Israel; and the Cross, which brought deliverance from sin to all humankind. The climax of salvation history, however, is still to come. So keep your eyes open for the second coming of Christ Jesus.
Written by: Devarro Whittaker.
