Christian Social Distancing

With the Coronavirus hitting the United States, churches around the country are opting to their hold services online rather than in person lest the Coronavirus cause needless devastation.

I believe this is a smart idea. As Christians we are called to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Church is called to protect the body of Christ.

What about when the virus settles down or what about even before there was such a worry of contracting a virus our bodies have never contended with before?


I have heard many well meaning Christians express frustration over their pastor having a time of greeting where those in the congregation shake hands with one another. The frustration is not because people wish to be anti-social or else why would they be there? No, the frustration is because we don't know where the other person's hands have been and there is a possibility they will get us sick.

Also, some Christians forgo drinking from the same cup during Communion lest they contract an illness.

One Sunday, I shook a few hands and that week I came down with a nasty cold. I grumbled about not shaking hands at church ever again, or if I couldn't get out of it then I would immediately employ the use of hand sanitizer in order to spare myself from future affliction.

(Now, if you see someone pick their nose and then reach out their hand--I do recommend giving a fist bump at the least).

Here is the crux of my thoughts on Christian Social Distancing: "...Behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live... And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well'... And the woman was made well from that hour... When Jesus came to the ruler's house... He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose" (Matthew 9:18-26 NKJV--emphasis added).

In this passage there are exhibited two powerful examples of Christian Social Touching. Jesus did not distance himself and heal them from afar, although he could and did with others.

The ruler knew if Jesus touched his daughter she would be healed, the bleeding woman knew if she touched just His garment she would be healed, and finally Jesus touches the girls hand and she is healed.

You may say, but Corbin this is Jesus we're talking about! Which I would respond, was Jesus not fully human just as we are? Further than that, Jesus told his disciples, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father (John 14:12 NKJV).

If we claim to be followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and yet are afraid to touch someone or drink after others then we are proven to be false in our beliefs. We do not believe in His healing touch or his Holy Presence but rather we attribute microorganisms to have a greater power upon us than God.

I'm not asking you to throw reason out the window. It is smart we take extra precautions particularly for those most vulnerable such as the elderly or those with high risk factors.

But to wish to practice Christian Social Distancing, due to fear, in the ordinary patterns of church or in life is not Christian at all.

Do not neutralize the power of the Holy Spirit; rather, be confident by exhibiting the uniquely powerful, physically and spiritual healing touch only found in Christianity.

Always improve the present moment.