How Are You Being 'Sifted' These Days?

In biblical days when a crop like wheat was harvested, the grain would be extracted through a process called winnowing, or sifting. The harvested wheat would be separated from the hull or chaff so that what was valuable could be harvested. The result would be that the wind would carry away the chaff leaving only the valuable grain left behind. In many ways, I believe that is what is happening during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are being forced to reevaluate our priorities and determine what is truly important to us.

For all of us, “sheltering in home” has necessitated the elimination of non-essential activities and forced us to spend time at home. A lot of time at home. For many of us, we have had to learn new work and school patterns. We are eating meals at home and taking walks with our families. Organized sports have stopped, allowing us to throw the frisbee, play board games and learn to cook new recipes with our spouse or children. Many of us are rediscovering some things that were buried under the category of “when things settle down”… Things have settled down. We have time to read the Bible and pray. We have time to talk with our spouse and children.

While there are many things that we miss during these days, it is my prayer that we will rediscover the important things that we neglected prior to Covid19. It is my prayer that on the other side of shelter in place, each of us would have greater clarity on the “chaff” in our lives and relationships, and what is truly “grain.” One of the passages that helps me determine what is good in life from what is best, is Philippians 4:8.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Think about what you currently miss from our “normal lives” and ask yourself “why?” What were the time-consuming activities that seem much less urgent and important these days? What were the “life-giving” ones that should be resumed? It is my prayer that God is using these days as a “reset” … that our hearts and our schedules will reflect what he is teaching us about what is important.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Chuck Martin

Lead Pastor, Frisco First Baptist Church