As most if not all are aware, the weather temperature has not been very consistent with it being cold then warm, then cold and then warm. This is something my body has a very difficult time dealing with. With such, my sinuses act up and the symptoms have definitely taken there toll, with headache, sore throat, congestion, and such. I look at all the work that I have to do, but my body says, “nope”. With all the symptoms, I found myself lethargic and no energy to do anything. Paying attention to the symptoms as they began to creep up should have been enough to start taking the appropriate measures in hopes to build up my immune system and fend off the soon-to-be illness. However, I let it slide as I normally do and attempt to trick myself into believing that it will be okay and soon, I am down for the count. Let me add that this usually all starts with the boys having the symptoms of a cold and I get too close thinking that it won’t affect me.
Spiritually speaking, we tend to do the same exact thing with the world. Just as we are well aware of what the signs/symptoms of a cold/flu is, we as Christians know what the signs/symptoms are of a sin-sick soul. We see all of the sin that surrounds us, and we become desensitized into believing that it won’t affect us. However, before we know it, we are experiencing the same signs/symptoms of worldliness. Our inner man grows weary of spiritual things and are apathetic towards the Lord. We have a loss of appetite for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and are feverish for the wickedness of this world. Although aware of what we should be doing, we are so worn down with a heart dis-ease that we don’t care to study the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2) or pray (1 Thess. 5:17) or assemble to worship the Lord (Hebrews 10:25) or to be zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)
I see the similarities of physical sickness and spiritual sickness. If I don’t build up my immune system, taking my vitamins, watching out for the germ-laden locations that seek to bring infection, the result can be deadly. Spiritually, if we are not building up our inner man (Jude 20,21; 2 Cor. 4:16), taking our vitamin G(ospel; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17), paying close attention not to touch/engage in the things of this world (Romans 12:9,21; James 4:4; 2 Cor. 6:16-18) then the result can be deadly as well. (Romans 6:23)
I always love to go check out my symptoms on “WebMD” and no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at that time, it always says to seek medical attention as death is listed as the result of not getting it tended to. The world may view “sin” as something small or insignificant, however the Great Physician tells us that such results in separation from the Lord God and can result in our spiritual death.
Ask yourself: am I experiencing the signs/symptoms of spiritual sickness? With a sin-sick soul that has lost an appetite for spiritual things, prayer, study, worship, service? Physically, I know what it’s like to be well and whole with energy. When I am sick, I LONG to be mended and whole again! Spiritually, as disciples of Christ, we know what it is like to be well and whole with spiritual vigor and vitality, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, ready and willing to serve our Lord and Master. If you are feeling the signs/symptoms right now, don’t linger, go see the Great Physician (Luke 5:30-32) immediately, for there’s danger and death in delay!
My hope and prayer is the same as John’s in 3 John 2: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” May you be healthy physically, but more importantly healthy spiritually as such is everlasting.
Something to think about. Have a great week! – DJ
