In sunny California we continue to self-shelter. Anna, my daughter who is a tech worker, has many meetings and presentations to do, even from home. She works upstairs in our townhome. Teri, my wife, keeps us all going. She keeps in touch with our son-in-law and daughter, who shelter in place nearby. Me? I work downstairs in a separate room. In some ways the church is busier than before but in different ways. The pastoral team is continually moving, working, and innovating…filming services and classes to post online… and coordinating other ministry. They even teach live online classes on Tuesday Nights. But one thing is certain. We all look forward to returning to ‘normal.’ We know that this, too, shall pass.

And yet, we are all pretty much stuck in doors. For some it’s like being snowed in, which can be fun for a while… Notice the emphasis on the wording, “for a while.” Depending on your family size and the size of your home, you might be feeling the pressures associated with sheltering at home—indoors. So, let me offer some spiritual and logistical advice.

Spiritual Advice:

In some cases, we may find our patience beginning to wear thin with one another. Nobody’s perfect and it’s oh-so-easy to see those imperfections (especially) in others. You may be tempted to offer a little correction to others who are not as perfect as you (think) you are. Jesus provides us great advice, rather forcefully in Matthew 7:1-5.

Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

What’s the gist of all this? Before you get upset with others, ask God and yourself if any of these shortcomings might present in you. I knew someone who made a list of stuff they didn’t like with their spouse. They took it to marriage counseling. They handed it to the counselor. The counselor examined this list thoroughly before asking, “Are you sure this isn’t a list of your behaviors?” That’s the point of verse 5: “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This passage isn’t a prohibition against evaluating behavior. Jesus is fine with that because in a paragraph later he talks about just that. It is a prohibition against hypocritically evaluating others without a little healthy self-critique or evaluation. As they say, “look before you leap…” and, therefore, “think before you judge.” And if you must speak into a knotty situation using Ephesians 4:29, ask the following questions:

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Before you speak, ask:

Am I about to say this in a helpful or hurtful way?
Can I find a way to say this in a way that encourages or builds up rather than discourages?
As far as fitting the occasion, how’s my timing (can it wait)?
In these close quarters, will others who might overhear find my words gracious and helpful, too?
Is what I’m about to say necessary and pleasing to God/

Think about it. Pray about it. You’ll be glad you did.

Logistical Advice:

Human beings typically are creatures of habit and routine. The truth is that even the creative and innovative types have some sort of routine. We are all wired differently, and our routines may not look or be the same. But we have do routines. Armies have routines, banks have routines, even my cat, Scheherazade, has a schedule. Every single person and field of endeavor has a routine.

Try and stick to (or maintain) a routine, or your routine. Here in Silicon Valley many “Tech People” already work from home a couple of days a week. Others… not so much. For your sake and the sake of your family sheltering at home with you make things are predictable as possible. Too much uncertainty can create stress and strife.

Establish a new routine with your family as you shelter at home. Meet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Talk with and to one another. Pray after breakfast or dinner. Go for a walk together to get some sunshine. Establish a routine. Program an exercise time you can find online programs for subscription. My wife and I exercise right after breakfast.

Use this time to firm up or reestablish your connection to Christ. Establish or reestablish a routine of prayer, reading your Bible, and worship. Remember that our worship services are online, and we post them for review so that if you missed the streaming you can go back. For worship services, click here. Last and not least, consider making outreach part of your routine. How? Invite people to church. People who would not normally accept an invitation to accompany you to your own church are more likely to click a link you email or text them in difficult times like this.

So, as you shelter indoors. Show a lot of grace. Establish a routine. Wait on the Lord.