Crosswalk the Devotional - Feb. 28, 2008

February 28, 2008

At Ease, Disease! 
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

Today we're going to talk about bacteria, a most important devotional topic.

You can't see bacteria with the naked eye, but when it's infiltrated your body, you definitely know it's there-especially when it's causing your body to become diseased. 

When this happens, you first have to acknowledge that you have a problem and that you're actually not at ease and "diseased."  Then, you try and tend to the situation on your own.  Over-the-counter medications and homespun remedies can help a little, as you "plop plop fizz fizz" and rub smelly menthol ointment all over.  You feel better and think you're not so sick.

But then the bacteria can really make its presence known, and you have to put on your big girl pants and go see a professional.  When you get there and the doctor pokes and prods, looks and listens, measures and tests, you then realize that your body is more diseased than you first thought.  And you need super-strength-prescription help that only the physician can offer you.

This whole scenario happened to me just recently when I thought I just had a mere stomach virus.  I woke up in the middle of the night, and before I knew it I was hugging the "porcelain throne" off and on for the next nine hours or so.

I took the day off and stayed under the covers for most of the time.  And I felt a little better the next day.  But the day after that, I felt differently.  Hmmm, it hurts when I swallow and I'm coughing and my nose is stuffy and my head hurts and my ears are blocked.  Hey ...  that's not part of a stomach virus!!

So I went to see my doctor, and she informed me that yes, indeed, I was afflicted with an upper respiratory infection that had been brewing in the background all along. 

Upon leaving her office, I decided I could either (a) continue my schedule through the weekend as planned and ignore the sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching and fever or (b) I could make adjustments in my lifestyle (rest, fluids, staying indoors) to nip this in the bud and improve my health. 

I'm happy to report that I chose Plan B. I knew that if I didn't take some precautions, I would have gotten even more sick.  Plus, it was what my doctor has advised me to do.  She obviously knew much better than I did what was needed for good health. 

You could draw a comparison from the physical to the spiritual here in regard to our human condition and the Great Physician.  Little sinful symptoms lead the way to even bigger "heart disease" problems and can greatly endanger our spiritual health. 

If we don't get our regular check-ups and let the Holy Spirit expose the disease and convict us with what lifestyle adjustments we should make, then we will never get well and be able live healthy, fruit-bearing lives in Christ.

Intersecting Faith & Life: In the light of God's Word, we are naked and see ourselves as we truly are. Has the Holy Spirit revealed some "bacteria" that is causing disease in your life?  An unhealthy relationship?  Poor moviegoing choices?  A mouth that gossips?  A heart full of jealousy?  What steps is he asking you to take today to remedy this for good spiritual health?

Further Reading

Ephesians 4:22-24
Ten Ways to Boost Your Spiritual Immune System