Breaking News! “20 people quarantined for coronavirus concerns in St. Louis city and county” read the headline of a KSDK article on Friday, Feb. 28. This headline has caused concern and panic in the St. Louis area, and not without reason. 

Coronavirus is a serious disease that should be a cause for concern. However, many people have allowed the concern for their health to turn into fear. Fear of leaving the house to go to school, work, or to interact with friends has gripped many Americans and even members of the St. Louis City and County. 

But, as members of a Christian school, how we react to situations like this should look different from the rest of our area, our country, and even the world. We know that our God is all-powerful and sovereign in every situation, even those that may seem dire. He knows the plan for our lives and so therefore we do not have to live in fear of catching a disease or even death itself because we know, as Christians, that when we die, we get to spend eternity in Heaven. 

In the first chapter of second Timothy, Paul directly addresses fear saying that, 

This verse says that because we know God, we do not have to fear the things of the world, because we can find strength in Him. 

However, this verse is not telling Christians to live recklessly and put themselves in danger. Christians are called to be wise and equip themselves with knowledge of the world around them, which is why it is important to learn the facts about Coronavirus. In fact, you can read Rebekah Sem’s story on Coronavirus on page 14 to learn more about the disease and how you can protect yourself.

Overall, we should not be afraid of what the future brings because as Christians we know that our eternity is secured. We do not have to live in fear because we can be equipped with our faith and with the facts. With those tools in hand we can take on anything the world throws at us, even Coronavirus.