Virus alert!
v24 n17
Definition
for virus: Main Entry: vi·rus
Etymology: Latin, venom, poisonous emanation; akin to Greek ios poison,
Sanskrit visa; in senses 2 & 4, from New Latin, from Latin Date:1599
1 archaic : venom: 2 a : the causative agent of an
infectious disease b : any of a large group of submicroscopic
infective agents that are regarded either as extremely simple microorganisms or
as extremely complex molecules, that typically contain a protein coat
surrounding an RNA or DNA core of genetic material but no semi permeable
membrane, that are capable of growth and multiplication only in living cells,
and that cause various important diseases in humans, lower animals, or plants, c
: a disease caused by a virus 3 : something that poisons
the mind or soul <the force of this virus of prejudice -- V. S.
Waters> 4 : a computer program usually hidden within another
seemingly innocuous program that produces copies of itself and inserts them
into other programs and that usually performs a malicious action (as destroying
data) (from 2002 Merriam-Webster Collegiate dictionary)
In today’s world, there are many things that can affect, effect or infect us, whether it be to one’s physical health, spiritual health, or even the health of one’s computer. In the realm of our physical health as well as computers, these attacks against the system are often classified as a virus.
Even in today’s world, there are those that would try to infect people with a virus, with the sole purpose of terrorizing people, because they do not live, act or believe the way that they do; to try to force their ideals or opinions on others. Only with a proper diet, nutrition, exercise and the proper medicines (if needed), is one able to avoid or overcome the viruses.
Prov 4:20-22, 20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (KJV)
In the world of computers as well, there are those that want to insert a virus on your computer, just for the sole purpose of being destructive. If one does not have the proper programs to deter these viruses, they can cause damage to the computer and all or part of the information that you have stored there.
Gal 5:9, A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (KJV)
The same holds true in the spiritual realm. That the devil and his workers are always trying to infect the Christian with a virus (lies) that will erode and tear down their belief in the living God, and to undermine their relationship with Him. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, and will use any and all means to accomplish this in a person.
John
In the physical world, one has shots and or pills that one can take, to overcome the virus. They also learn to avoid certain places or things to eliminate the risk of contracting a virus, as well as a proper diet and exercise to maintain their health and well being. Daily preventive steps can be taken to help insure one’s health, such as vitamins, supplements and such.
In the world of computers, it is much the same as with the physical side or aspects. There are programs one can obtain for their computer that will block or quarantine this viruses. Some programs will totally block them all together. However, one has to make sure that they stay current with the updates for the viruses, to be sure their computer always has the full protection that is available. Being lazy or ignorant for a day or week, can have very damaging results.
Well, the same is very true for the spiritual aspect or side of one’s life. It is not enough for one to become a Christian. One then has to continue in it! It is a daily, step by step process to stay current with the Father by and through Christ Jesus, so that He is able to give us exactly that which we need each day, that will repel the attacks or assaults of the devil and His workers.
One seldom gives thought to all or any of the things that are able to infect the spiritual being with a virus. Often times one thinks that they (the spiritual viruses) are so small or insignificant, that it could not hurt you. This is the subtlety by which the devil is able to infect anyone, to where the spiritual decay is able to start within a person. And once the virus has gained entrance, without the proper anecdote, eventually spiritual death will come about.
Let us look at what the Bible tells us is a few of the main ways that these viruses are able to get within our spirit being.
Gal 5:19-21, 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Gal 5:19-21, 19. Now you know full well the doings of our
lower natures. Fornication, impurity, indecency, idol-worship, sorcery;
20. enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; 21. hard drinking, riotous feasting, and the
like. And as to these I forewarn you, as I have already forewarned you, that
those who are guilty of such things will have no share in the Kingdom of God.
(
[Now the works of the flesh are manifest] By flesh we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul, no longer under the guidance of God's Spirit and right reason, but under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin; so that man is in a worse state than the brute: and so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men into all kinds of crimes; and among them the following, which are manifest-- known to all, and most prevalent; and, though these are most solemnly forbidden by your law, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them, and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
Even as in a natural man there is something of this struggle (the convictions of his conscience and the corruption of his own heart strive with one another; his convictions would suppress his corruptions, and his corruptions silence his convictions), so in a renewed man, where there is something of a good principle, there is a struggle between the old nature and the new nature, the remainders of sin and the beginnings of grace; and this Christians must expect will be their exercise as long as they continue in this world. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)
The flesh (the carnal man) wants to maintain the virus within in it, while the spiritual man wants to live in, operate in the anecdote provided by the Father which is made available to us by and through Christ Jesus.
If one has a virus detection program within their computer, when a virus tries to enter, the computer gives a warning, and tells one what they must do to prevent the virus from gaining access and control in the computer. One needs to be attentive to follow and carry out all of the instructions.
The same is true within one’s spirit being, if they have been born again. The Spirit of Christ within one, will give them warning when the carnal nature or sin tries to gain a foothold in one’s life. Then, one has to hear and obey the Spirit of God, and apply the Word of truth properly to the situation, for the virus to be detected, rejected, and destroyed.
1 Tim 4:16, Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV)
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka J
Copyright © 2002 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved