Welcome to the New Normal - for now! We are in a transition period in America, which is like buying a home while trying to sell the one you currently live in. Everything is up in the air except for the steady traffic of airplanes. How do we thrive in the new normal?
Restrict
Societal limitations are shocking to our normal routines. We cannot congregate, travel or enjoy many of life’s pleasures. Even in the Garden of Eden, God put restrictions on mankind. There were boundaries or limitations to the actions of man and woman. Adam and Eve were not allowed to eat of one tree. Sound familiar? Governor Northam said, ‘Thou shalt not eat inside Chipotle.” (Nicksich International Version: A-Cooped-Up-Been-In-My-House-Too-Long-Cultural-Commentary)
How do we thrive in this temporary fast? We embrace restrictions like a seatbelt in a car. We limit buying to one package of toilet paper (Northam should institute that one!). Restrictions are enforced for our good and for the good of others. Consider which sinful habits or toxic influences that you need to restrict in your own life, like maybe fasting from social media. Putting research aside, both the NBA Commissioner and Selena Gomez have promoted the need for restricting social media due to its negative effects. Limit your news intake. Take a break from the screen. In the new normal, set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), and direct those Scripture inspired, Spirit saturated thoughts down into the troubles of this world.
Relate
Life is about relationships. We are made to relate with God and with people. Moses declared to the people of Israel, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Jesus reiterated the same first commandment and then declared a second commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). How can you do this on a daily basis?
Relate with God first through spiritual disciplines. Spend time daily in prayer, Scripture reading, meditating on the Word, fasting and more, and then relate with others. Find someone to play a board game or go for a walk. Love, encourage and relate with others through a phone call, Face Time call or text. Invite friends and family to tune in to a worship service with you. Join a virtual Life Group or Bible Study.
Move
The temptation is real. Sit at the computer to work. Sit at the table to eat. Sit and talk with friends or family. Sit on the couch to game, eat or binge watch television. Exercise is vital to healthy living - move your body! Research shows there are holistic benefits and a necessity to move our divinely created frames. However, the Word of God also mandates proper stewardship of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Don’t stop there. Move your mind! Read a good book and read the Good Book! Renew the mind and find the pathway to transformation (Romans 12:2).
Motivate
Motivate yourself to maximize this unique season to the glory of God. My wife chooses to wear her shoes throughout the day. It is a mental reminder to her that she cannot get “too comfortable” during the day until she has accomplished her goals. I schedule my week on Mondays in order to keep myself accountable for time and work during the rest of the week.
Don’t stop there! Motivate yourself and motivate others. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us to consider how we can spur one another on to love and good works (10:24).
Will you thrive during the new normal? If you restrict, relate, move and motivate all to the glory of God, it is possible.
By Derek Nicksich