The out break of Swine Flu has World Health authorities VERY nervous! Maybe you are as well. Today I received an email from a concerned friend quoting his doctor as saying, _'whatever you do get a prescription for a dose of tamiflu NOW - and put it in the fridge.' Clearly there is 'cause for concern but not alarm' if President Obama is to be believed. What amazes me is how responsive we are to physical concerns but almost dismissive of any suggestion of a spiritual or even moral pandemic.

As second term begins I thought it is a good time to have a self regulated spiritual health check up. Some questions to help could be:

How is my relationship with the Lord at the moment? Cool - warm or hot? Or rate it on a scale of 1-10.
How are my relationships in general? At home - at work - at Church?
Is anything getting in the way of having a healthy relationship with God and his people?
What time am I giving to building and strengthen my relationship with the Lord?  litte - enough - plenty?
Am I serving the body of belivers in any way? 'If you want to get - you've got to give!'
What needs to change in my life? My attitude? My priorities? My habits?

Some of the things that I have always found helpful in keeping myself spiritually healthy are:

Regular doses of God's word - very fortifying! It keeps God in focus and my life in perspective! Church attendance is vital!
Prayer is critical - it helps ward off spiritual heart attacks! After all God is in control - isn't he?
Reading a good Christian book - novel or even a commentary! This sometimes helps not to be so self focussed.
Listening to great Christian music - music to the soul is very empowering.
Visit a hospital or nursing home - nothing like be reminded of the brevity of life and what really matters!
Spending time with Christian friends - over a meal or even a simple supper is very encouraging!

By all means this winter take all precautions in regard to swine flu so that you and your family stay physically well, but don't underestimate the importance of being spiritually healthy. Snake flu is never spoken of but is always on the radar. 'The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour' 1 Peter 5.8 

To be spiritually healthy as a Christian we all must stay well connected to both Christ and his people - whatever that involves for you - make sure you do it!

Michael