And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made. (Ex. 32:35)

No, I’m not talking about the viral infections that seem to sweep the congregation once or twice a year! Although those are bad enough. You can almost hear the children’s workers hold their breath around the little darlings who trade germs as easily and as sweetly as they give sticky hugs. But thank the Lord for good-working immune systems. There is probably not a hardier person on the planet than the local children’s pastor!

But the kind of plague that is more serious than a passing flu bug is the one that invades our souls when we have the wrong focus. God allows us to get sick. Just like the children of Israel after they created their own nasty little deity. He sends plagues to us to remind us that we can’t ignore him and live healthy lives.

Our souls were made for communion with and fulfillment in him. Any other source sours in our systems. And sometimes he just lets that play out. Wrongly focused worship results in troubled relationships because we’re not emotionally stable; out-of-control schedules because we’re not prioritizing what matters; bad health because we may turn to food or other substances as a tranquilizer. The Scripture says God is not mocked. The only way to avoid the infection of idolatry is by seeking wholeness in relationship with him.

Promote your spiritual health through vibrant worship of Christ.

Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife and mom who lives in Indiana and likes to recharge with coffee and time with friends.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.