Due to the recent restrictions on gathering due to the corona virus.  We won’t be having traditional services at our church for the next couple of weeks.  Out of an abundance of caution and in obedience to the governmental authorities in our lives, we will be observing “social distancing.”  And I believe that is the appropriate and prudent thing for us to do at this time.  We wouldn’t want to cause any one any harm or get anyone sick simply because we failed to recognize the physical impact we can have on others as well as the physical impact they can have on us.

Social distancing in times like this, makes pretty good sense.  You know the Bible talks about social distancing as well.  Not from the physical aspect but rather from the spiritual aspect.  The Apostle Paul reminded the church of that fact in 1 Corinthians 15:33. Paul writes, “Do not be deceived, ‘bad company corrupts good morals.’”

We have an impact and an influence on those around us and they have an impact and an influence on us.  Not just in a physical sense, but also in a spiritual, moral and emotional sense.  It is true that bad company does corrupt good morals.  In this time of “social distancing” maybe we can spend some of our time reflecting on the overall impact we are having on others and the overall impact they are having on us.  Maybe we need to put a little more distance between ourselves and those who impact us negatively.  Maybe we need to draw closer to those who impact us positively.  I don’t mean to draw closer in the physical sense, but reach out in other ways.  Call someone and tell you appreciate them; let them know how much they mean to you.  Write a letter, send a postcard or some words of encouragement to someone.

It is important who we hang out with, who we interact with.  It can have a good or a bad influence on our lives.  My prayer for you is that you would be safe.  That you would know you are loved.  And that you would use this time of social distancing to draw closer to the Lord and to allow Him to impact someone in a positive way through you.

Until Next Time, Stay Strong in the Faith,

Pastor Phillip