By Julia Gervais

On the 20th March 2020, the UK Government announced the furlough scheme, an initiative put in place to assist businesses and employees through the COVID-19 crisis. Essentially, the government made a commitment to finance 80% of the labour cost for businesses, as a means of curtailing the spread of the contagion. Crudely put-employees were being paid to do nothing. It served two purposes: it reduced the levels of financial anxiety for employees and employers. In addition it made it easier for the government to ‘sell’ the idea of the lockdown to the general population.

The country ground to a screeching halt. For some, it felt like an all-expenses paid vacation, while for others – imprisonment. Many families report the many positives that have come out of the experience. Sadly, various negative impacts have also been reported.

Like many of you, I stayed at home as per the government guidelines. My main concern was the safety of my family. We worked, studied, played, and exercised – all without setting foot outside our home.

After a few weeks, it suddenly dawned on me, that even though I was busy working from home, I was on furlough. What do I mean by that? While I was faithful in looking after my household, I had forgotten to look outwards.

“Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” Philippians 2:4.

I had ignored the instruction of the Apostle Paul – I was on a self-imposed furlough! God never told us to stop. God’s blessings never stop. Incidentally, furloughed employees are allowed to engage in voluntary service.

God expects us to share His love in practical ways with others. He has asked us to let the world know that He loves them. Although He doesn’t need our help, getting involved is as much for our benefit as it is theirs. The countless blessings we receive are for sharing. Each of us has at least one skill and if we think hard enough we will find a way to use it to help others.

If, like me, you would like to get involved, ask God to lead you. He knows our circumstances, and He can be trusted to keep us safe while we serve. The government believes it introduced the furlough scheme, but I suggest it has always been present in the church. There is nothing new under the sun. We have been looking inwards for a very long time. The furlough scheme is gradually being phased out. Let’s lead the way, let’s get back to doing God’s work. 

^“Do not forget to do good to others. And share with them what you have. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16

Let’s Pray

Dear Father, for too long we have been neglectful. Thank you that while there is life, there is hope. Please help us to make it right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This Week’s Song of Encouragement

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