The key to a peaceful home during the Corona virus epidemic

(The following are the main points of the message that was preached on March 15, 2019.)

A lot has happened in the past two weeks. At the beginning of March, Prime Minister Abe announced that all elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools would be closed. The Corona virus has been spreading and more and more people have been getting sick. Many people have been really worried. As you know, people have been panic buying toilet paper and tissues and face masks. The situation has been steadily getting more and more serious.

The Abe government announced that all schools would be closed, so that kids could stay at home and not be under risk of catching the virus. But with all these kids suddenly told to stay at home, that means there has to be someone there to look after them. And that someone usually ends up being mum or dad. This has, of course, resulted in a huge increase in the levels of stress of people all around Japan.

Kids are stressed because they are stuck inside the house with nothing to do, and so they’re bored out of their minds. Mum and dad are at home trying to do their work. But it’s hard to focus on your work when you’re sitting at a kitchen table and the TV is on, the kids are fighting with each other, you have to make lunch for them, and everything is just chaos.

How can children and parents maintain their sanity during the current crisis? And not only maintain their sanity, but actually enjoy being together?

Before we get into that, let’s just remind ourselves of some very important truths which we should keep in mind concerning the Corona virus.

The first truth is this: God is in complete control over everything.

See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand. (Deut. 32:39)

This Corona virus is completely under the control of the Lord. He wasn’t surprised when it started, and He knows exactly when it will end. The Lord will allow this virus to spread as far as he decides, and it will spread no further than that.

The second truth is this: God uses every problem, every trouble, every painful thing that happens to you, for your good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

We just finished a whole series of messages on that. All the problems in your life, including all the problems caused by the Corona virus, are used by God to grow and shape you into a better person.

The third truth is this: God cares so much for you, and the Lord will never let anything bad, or evil, happen to you.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

And so there is no need for us to be worried or anxious about this virus. Of course, be sensible, and avoid gatherings of large people, and wash your hands carefully and frequently, and do all you can to stop getting the virus. But don’t worry about it.

So that’s just some background. Keeping those things in mind, what is the key to keeping peace at home during these tough times? Some words of wisdom are found in Ephesians 6:1-4:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

The Lord’s word to children

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord,” 

There are three grounds for obedience.

• Natural law  “… for this is right.”
• God’s special law  “Honour your father and mother”.
• The gospel of grace  “– which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

The Lord’s word to parents

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (verse 4)

Here is how other translations have it:

• NLT: Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them
• CEV: Don’t be hard on your children
• TLB: Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful.

Here are three ways you can do that.

Firstly, don’t have perfect standards. Don’t demand that your kids live up to some high standard that you set. Remember, they’re just kids.

Secondly, be consistent. If you’re always changing the rules, your kids are going to be exasperated. If they’re allowed to do something today, and then tomorrow they’re not allowed to do it, they’re going to get confused and upset. They won’t know what’s right or wrong anymore.

Thirdly, explain things to kids that normal people already understand. Because kids aren’t normal people. The amount of common sense they have is very limited.

These words from the Lord will lay a firm foundation of peace and love in your families, which will enable you not merely to survive in these difficult times, but to thrive.