By: Mike Riley
In performing our day-to-day tasks, there are days our computers help us to “fly like an eagle.” Other times, they bog us down like quicksand. On “eagle days” we’re grateful for our computers, but there are those “quicksand days” when we probably rue the day, we ever bought one. At one time or another, we’ve all had to contend with various viruses that invade our computers.
One of the ways a virus can invade our computer is by opening up seemingly innocent e-mails. Many times, those viruses are created maliciously. There are obviously many bright and intelligent folks out there in the world who seemingly live just to make other people’s lives miserable.
Sin is like a computer virus. As Christians, one of the ways Satan seeks to destroy us is by infecting our computer-like minds. This is why the apostle Paul urged the Christians at Corinth to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is why he admonished the Philippian brethren to “think on these things” (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
Just as we allow viruses into our computers, we also allow the darkness of sin [viruses] into our minds when we open ourselves unthinkingly to the godless messages that permeate our culture.
When we stop allowing the inspired thoughts of God’s Word to permeate our thinking processes (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:11), we let down our guard and hardly notice the sin [virus] that infects our minds.
However, by daily confessing our sins, studying God’s Word, and praying (1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 6:11-18), we build a firewall (or barrier) for the safeguarding of our minds. With the help of the Holy Spirit’s teachings, we’ll keep our minds [computers] from becoming unwitting hosts for unwanted viruses.