Viral Influences

Above is a photo of Bible Study.  (Lorne’s chair is the empty one.)  The number of people attending is less than before.  COVID-19 virus spread prevention means that some people’s regular work is suspended.  They have taken on temporary shift work to insure the family continues to have income.  Others had other family responsibilities that kept them away on Sunday.

Everyone seems to be monitoring the spread of this virus and noting the influence it has on people’s lives.  But we also have another kind of viral influence in our lives that is less obvious.  Posts on social media sometimes go viral.  Videos are being used to promote opinions, and some go viral.  Facebook is giving free space to the World Health Organization, hoping that their posts can counter some of the misconceptions about COVID-19 that are going viral.

The viral influence of this current sickness is much more visible than the influence of our speech on others and theirs on us.  Our societies are pleased that there is freedom to say just about anything.  But similar to the COVI-19 viral outbreak, we see that not all viral communications are healthy and good.

The Bible has many verses that teach us that we need to be careful what we say and what we hear regardless of whether it goes viral or not.   May God’s Spirit help us to be careful about what we say and what we fill our minds with.  Consider these three examples of God’s teaching:

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”  (Prov. 12:18)

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (Prov. 13:3)

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Prov. 18:20)

Praise and Prayer

Thank-you for praying as we began teaching in the schools last Thursday.  We used English to talk about hand-washing, etc., so that we can stay healthy.  We have since learned that some schools in Taiwan have forbidden volunteer workers to be on campus until at least April.  We feel very privileged to have the opportunity to teach English and tell Bible stories to the students at this time.