Tomorrow I turn 77. It is another personal best for me. In the words of Mickey Mantle, “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of my body.” I’m quite aware that not everyone is granted this much (or more) time on Earth and I am very thankful for every day. God is not done with me yet. I’m not sure if that means He has more for me to do, or if I still need more work. Probably both!
My age and medical condition put me at increased risk from this new Corona Virus or any flu virus. I get flu vaccine every year and just got a booster pneumonia shot, but no vaccine is available for this new virus yet. Media is overblowing the danger to the general public so I have been keeping up with suggestions from medical experts who recommend washing hands often, not touching your face; and avoiding large crowds.
The governor of Illinois has mandated that all events of more than 1,000 people be cancelled. Christian Life Center celebrates 30 years of ministry this month and had planned a gathering of all three of our campuses to celebrate. It has been cancelled and will be rescheduled when possible. The governor also recommended groups of 250 also be cancelled, but our senior pastors have prayerfully decided to continue with Sunday services. They have asked everyone who is sick to stay home and watch the service online. They also recommend avoiding physical contact with each other (handshake or hug). Closing the doors of our church on a national day of prayer at a time of crisis when worship and prayer are needed the most doesn’t make sense and certainly doesn’t agree with the mission of the church to provide peace in times of fear and comfort in times of trouble.
I trust God to protect me from the Corona virus and all other dangers, but I will not test God by taking unnecessary risks. There are so many passages of scripture telling us not to fear and giving us comfort in times of peril. My favorite is the entire 91st chapter of Psalms beginning with that spiritual 911 verse, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” I plan to worship from home today and I will let the Holy Spirit guide my decisions each day. I will not live in fear, because like the Apostle Paul, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21)