C. S. LEWIS' ADVICE FOR TODAY

        In 1939, when Germany invaded Poland and ignited the fuse of World War II, British theologian C. S. Lewis preached a sermon to his students at Oxford called, “Learning in War-Time.” Although written 81 years ago, his advice is relevant today when our enemy is uncontrollable disease. Lewis identified three enemies which must be faced, and I’ve applied them to our current crisis.

        The first enemy is “DISTRACTION.” News sources overwhelm us, make us anxious, and almost paralyze daily life. The incessant, ever-changing information attacks us 24 hours a day with global death and destruction. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck, pulling us from work and trapping us with regulations we don’t like or trust.

        Lewis’ advice: Look at history. “Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice,” he said. Our present troubles are more normal than abnormal, for we live in a fallen, sinful world. Let us draw courage from knowing past generations survived, by God’s grace, and so shall we.

        The second enemy is “FRUSTRATION.” What if … I can’t get back to work? … my life will all be changed? … the economy won’t recover? What if…. (you fill in the blank)?  Lewis’ advice: Pray for strength to live for today and leave the future to God. Worrying about the future solves nothing. “You may as well leave the future to God,” Lewis said, because His grace will certainly be in it, whether we leave it to Him or not.

        The third enemy is “FEAR OF DEATH.” What if I get sick and die? What about my loved ones? I know everybody dies, but I’m not ready! Lewis’ advice: Rather than being fearful or stoic or angry, accept the fact that this virus shows us our own mortality. Psalm 90:12 prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Such an attitude will help us make the most of the days we have left.

        This current world crisis can either overwhelm us, or it can keep us on our toes to focus on the beautiful and good things of life. Rather than being distracted, frustrated or fearful, let us live each day with courage and faith. We are not the first to live through a huge crisis and we won’t be the last.

Life is precious, so let’s use our time wisely.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com