I don’t know if everyone does this during the Holiday season but I have found myself reflecting on my past. Don’t worry the purpose of this post is not to bore you with the sordid details. As I look at my children and the children that I have the opportunity to influence I cannot help but wondering if they will make the same foolish mistakes I have made.
That got me to thinking about one of the basic sources of much pain and suffering both for myself and for those that I love…sin. Combine that with my recent download of antiviral software and of course the metaphor began to form. At least in my life, sin has been like a computer virus. I did not go seeking it out (at least in most cases). I downloaded it in what I thought were innocuous situations. It attached to “harmless” shows, friends, situations, and thoughts. Too often we download this virus when we are in places or situations that we shouldn’t be in anyways. And then we turn off our antivirus software (conscience) because it is interfering with our harmless fun. Then once it is in place it sits and begins it work. It opens up pathways into our lives and begins to fill up our “hard drives” with more and more of its own brand of data. Pretty soon it has our antivirus completely shut down and we find ourselves in a place that we never thought that we would be.
Some people might say that I am too strict. Perhaps that I limit my children’s access to “life” too much. I have been overrun by this particular virus and I intend through prayer, teaching and yes a little protecting to make sure my kids don’t download it on my watch. And yes I must make sure that I do not allow it a foothold in my own heart again.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phillipians 4:8-9
Fan Into Flame Ministries 
Sam,
That may be one of the best analogies/metaphors for the invasion of sin in our lives that I’ve seen. So true, so easily ignored.
My kids will be reading this as well as our women’s group and youth.
Isn’t it crazy. . . we’ll do so much to protect our computers from viruses that damage the hard drive, but then pay to have equally morally damaging material brought into our homes through cable and satellite, etc. There are things worth protecting. . . our spirits and our souls are among them.
Thanks.
Love Ya, bro!
Lisa