Church Family,

It could never happen to me.  I watched the little white stick as the liquid began slowly crawling up the indicator strip.  I had watched this event many times with a sense of invincibility before.  Almost immediately something was different.  What was that growing linear shadow?  That could not be a line.  As the indicator became fully saturated, the unfamiliar line began to redden along with the control line.  Seriously? 

I was certainly shocked to learn that I had joined the large majority of folks who have now had a bout of Covid.  Thankfully, mine was very minor.  It was more of a nuisance than anything as I still have a very long list of things to accomplish since my return from the summer travels. 

Prior to the bout, I recall having a sense of foolish pride. Thoughts like “My immune system is too strong for this.”  I wonder if there are other areas in which I have an equal amount of foolish pride? 

1 Cor 10:12-14  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  ESV

In giving the Christians at Corinth encouragement to avoid the idolatry that was rampant in the surrounding culture, the Apostle Paul uses examples from the Old Testament of many whom God called to follow Him that fell into idolatry and sin in the wilderness despite God’s miraculous signs and provision all around them. 

It is easy to assume that one would never fall, but that is not the attitude that Paul endorses.  The mindset of the Christ follower is to “take heed.”  This is not a phrase we use much anymore.  It means to watch out or be on guard. It is an attitude that does not put too much confidence in our flesh but rather relies on God's Spirit to strengthen.   Our job is to be ever vigilant and realize that we are called to live lives dependent on walking in step with the Holy Spirit. It is not forced, but it is offered to the humble and the wise. 

May we strive each day to have our confidence in the right place, in Him who loves and sustains us daily.

Loving you all,

Michael