Invisible Threat

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. 
He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.   
1 Peter 5:8

Have you ever thought that the invisible virus that we are battling right now is a picture of the invisible threat we face daily in the spiritual realm?  Just as we can be lulled into complacency and dullness to the danger of being infected by Covid19, we can be distracted and dulled to the threat of temptations and corruption to our spirits.

How many times have we heard, “Wash your hands, wear a face mask, maintain distance and avoid crowded places.”?  We can tune it out and get tired of wearing a mask and decide that the threat of sickness and death cannot touch us.  But it can!

In the same way, we can become immune to the warnings against rebellion, not relying on God alone and selfishness.  Sin feels good at first.  Nothing seems to happen at the beginning.  Then, we find ourselves caught in that invisible net of the enemy.  It gets harder and harder to get out of the bad habits that hurt us and those we love, and gradually separate us from God.

Good habits of hygiene can help prevent coming down with Covid19.  Good spiritual habits can create a safe barrier from contamination from sin.  Confess sin as soon as you are aware of it.  Receive the Lord’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 Jn.1:9).  Avoid known temptations.  Be alert to what you allow into your mind and heart and out of your mouths.  Stay close to Jesus.  Spend meaningful time with him and in his Word.

The times are dangerous.  This is not a time to be complacent about sin.  It will be as dangerous to ourselves and our families as allowing the virus to infect us.  God needs all of his people to be alert and ready for battle.  We are safe in the victory won by Jesus as long as we obey, stay close and are prepared. 

Where have you allowed an opening to the enemy?
 
Dear friend, may you rest in the safety and security that the Lord provides to those who love him, stay close to him and obey his commands.  Be blessed with growing confident hope in who you are and who God is to you. Rejoice!  Amen.
​
Mary Sumner, July 15, 2020