Fact or Fiction

With all of the coverage about swine flu in the media, this is not the best time to get a sore throat. What are the chances it could really be the flu? Should I go to work? Should I cook dinner for the family? (Best to be safe and bring food home because we know everyone working at the restaurant is healthy…) As I first noticed the tenderness in swallowing, I couldn’t help but wonder if the flu strain that I had labeled as another “sky is falling” campaign was staking a foothold in my own house. Sure enough #1 son was not feeling well and started coughing. Reports of the first death linked to the swine flu, albeit hundreds of miles away in southern Texas, was aired on the morning news. Even though a flu diagnosis was suspect, the idea couldn’t help but creep into the realm of possibilities. I remembered I had seen a chart that helped distinguish the differences between a common cold and the flu. My symptoms? I had a sore throat, coughing, but no fever.


From the checklist I feel confident I either have a simple cold or a sinus flare-up. Wouldn’t it be helpful if we had a similar checklist to help weigh other conflicting claims? Could it help distinguish the real prophets from the actors, the revelations from the interpretations, or the wisdom of the reformers from the agenda of the revisionists? In the meantime, wash your hands frequently and be alert.

My prayer for the congregation?

Wise and True God, You have no difficulty in discerning myth from fact, hype from reality or chosen leaders from eager substitutes. Point us towards these truths that you separate so easily as a litmus test. Help us discriminate using the tool of righteousness so that we may hone our decisions and gain confidence in our judgment when placed between conflicting choices. Place in our lives the truthful course of direction and give us wisdom and patience to rely on prayerful judiciousness instead of rash impulsiveness in reaction to claims of accurateness. You name your prophets, reveal your glory and seek reform in an imperfect world. Let us be receptive to your voice. Amen.