As the H1N1 virus lingers at the edge of the media consciousness, many people are left to wonder, "should I take this serious, or not?" In 1918 the Spanish flu, which originated in Austria, found a perfect breeding ground at Camp Riley in Kansas. What began in March of that year ended in November with over fifty million people dead around the world.

Today, the Center for Disease Control is at the front-line in the battle against deadly diseases and pathogens. Their mission: to control the introduction of infectious diseases. We trust them to do their job.

There is another serious threat that is always on the verge of overtaking and destroying. It is described by Peter, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). Sin is like a virus which infects and destroys, but it is not spread since we are all infected.

Luckily, Paul describes the vaccine for this deadly infection called sin - the spiritual armor of Ephesians. Paul describes it, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Eph 6:11). This armor is the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the feet shod with the gospel, the sword of the word and the shield of faith. These are tools that we take into battle that protect us against a fierce enemy and a deadly pestilence.

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Living the Community

During my childhood Sunday night was fellowship time for my parents and their friends. They would all meet at someone's home after church for snacks and discussion. It was always a special time for me, because there was plenty of food to eat, and I was always hungry. But beyond the food, there a comfort that came from knowing that there were friends around who cared.

Christianity is all about community. In small churches the whole church is community because everyone knows everyone else. In larger churches Sunday School or small groups are the center of community. Regardless of where a person attends church, the key to success is always in the aspect of community.

Eugene Peterson writes in A Long Obedience, "Scripture knows nothing of the solitary Christian. . . God never works with individuals in isolation, but always with people in community." The machinery of church is not sufficient to keep the body functioning, the church requires community. The fellowship and love of church members is the heart that keeps the body healthy.

Psalm 133:1 says in The Message, "How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along." People are not drawn to Christ through organization, plans, or purpose statements - they come to Christ because they see something alive in the church. Community can not be planned, it can not be manufactured, it can only exist through sincere Christian faith, love, and service.