Last week on my job, a co-worker wore the mask of the fear of death on her face. She said, “Chris do you know why I didn’t come to work last Monday?” I said “No.” She said, “I was scared. I don’t want to get the coronavirus. I don’t want to die.” I said, “I wasn’t here either. I had a doctor’s appointment.” She continued to talk about social distancing and that none of us should be at work. Others joined in agreement. Then she added how many firms stopped their employees from coming out to work, so why should we be out. She talked about how the virus was affecting the world and that many died. “I’m afraid I get it. I don’t want to die now,” she said.
Her eyes darted quickly to everyone in front and at the side of her. She didn’t hide her fear. She was worried and troubled by the fact that our management still has us out to work though we had so little to do as they suspended most of the operations because of the novel coronavirus. She talked of all the preventative actions she has been taking and continued to remind us who were around her, to do as she has been doing.
The fear of death is normal for many people. Particularly at this time as our world faces the pandemic—the Covid-19, which has taken many lives. There’s no vaccine yet developed so COVID-19 will claim even more lives. As citizens of the world, especially believers, we’re to obey our government and authorities in practicing social distancing with the list of hygienic suggestions (Romans 13:11). As Christians, we’re to help those in need (Luke 10:9). We’re to apply wisdom in showing compassion (Proverbs 13:20).
Paul tells us how the Christian should view death, which comes once to us all, then we face judgment before Christ who sits on the Seat of Judgement (Hebrews 9:27). Paul says, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart [die] and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.,” (Philippians 1:23-26).
Paul had an eternal perspective on life. In death, he will see Christ face to face and would be removed from worldly troubles. So he was ready as he lived his life prepared for destiny. He had no fear of death as he devoted his life to what really counts. We all have to find a purpose of living that goes beyond our physical needs. We must ask ourselves, ‘who can we serve or help?’ ‘What is our purpose in life?’ and work at it in preparation for our destiny.