After several weeks of computer problems I decided to sit down first thing this morning to express some thoughts about all that has occurred. It has been a frustrating, trying experience getting all of my programs up and running once again. Needless to say, with the deletion of all of my programs, I lost most of the work that I had stored on my computer. This proved to be a very real lesson in developing patience! However, even in the midst of all of the anxiety, I learned a great deal.

It seems my computer may have been attacked from the outside via the Internet. And, although I had an antivirus installed and ran the live updates weekly, somehow my computer had managed to come under attack from a sinister outside source causing me to loose everything that I had valued in my programs. Even though I found this difficult to believe or understand, I decided to learn all that I could about its vulnerabilities.

Since I enjoy using my computer so much and want to protect it against any future attacks, I decided to check out the protection options offered. Not only did I go “online” and read all that I could find, I also went to our local computer store reviewing programs offered there.

Stay with me folks, there’s a lesson to be learned here not only about computers, but also concerning our spiritual lives.

Did you know that your hard drive might be scanned on a regular basis as you surf the net? It’s a little like the postman steaming open your mail, reading it, then resealing the envelope before delivering it to your door. There are hackers out there knowledgeable in ways and means of exploring hundreds of computer hard drives with just a click of their mouse. Frightening, isn’t it?

Through my research I also discovered that web sites attach cookies to your hard drive that enable many of the sites to learn your computer habits. These cookies send data back to their source revealing all sorts of information about you. Most of these cookies are a harmless means for web site owners to track users, while a few maliciously use the information for their own personal gain.

Some individuals are just thrill seekers looking for new ways to prove their prowess by outsmarting the system. Their creations are meant to do nothing more than destroy as many unsuspecting computers as possible. These are electronic menaces seeking to create as much damage as possible in the least amount of time by infecting emails, which pass from computer to computer.

What purpose or reason could there be in all of this? Who knows the hearts and minds of men? What makes people do things to hurt, injure, or destroy another human being or their property. Only God knows. I could assume, wonder, and suppose all day the “whys” of what causes people to hurt or attempt to destroy the property of others. It’s a heart issue. Man’s heart is naturally evil. Hidden deep within the heart of man originates the root of all evil, sin. Without God, without His forgiveness, His grace, His love in our lives, none of us has the ability to live without sins. His son, Jesus Christ, paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to atone for our sins. His precious blood was shed as a covering for our sins giving us the right and freedom to approach God as Abba, Daddy.

Satan, in his attempt and desire to destroy us, seeks out our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. He probes, scans, and baits us attempting to find openings through which he may influence us. He desires to affect our thinking, our reactions, and our behaviors. Our enemy roams about like a roaring lion seeking to destroy us, using any weapon at his disposal to accomplish that goal. Often we are unaware of areas that are open and vulnerable until we find ourselves wondering why things aren’t going so well. Perhaps we’re feeling under the weather; maybe we’ve reacted in haste with someone we love. Many times we are shocked by our own behavior, often wondering, “Where did that come from?” When we began to experience problems in our Christian walk its time to check our “hard drive”, the spirit man. Have we given place to the enemy of our soul?

We have a covering, a protection from the enemy of our soul. Its found in Ephesians 6:11 – 19, and is described as the “whole Armour of God” which enables us to stand against the wiles (“trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive” Merriam-Webster Dictionary) of the devil. Believe me folks; he’s real. He may not be seen with the natural, or human eye, but his intent is to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10 records Jesus as saying, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus is our covering, our protection if you will, from the enemy of our soul. The Bible contains information invaluable for maintaining that covering, that protection.

Hoping to protect ourselves from outside sinister sources, we purchase programs to protect our computers as we surf the net. These are installed via software creating counter programs protecting our computers from assaults. Although I never actually saw with my eyes the individual who attacked my computer, his attack provided tangible evidence that he existed. Ignoring the possibility of attacks did little to save me hours of misery as I worked to restore my computer to its former state. Without knowledge we leave ourselves open to these attacks. I thought an antivirus was all that was necessary for protecting my computer, I was so very wrong.

Salvation is a wonderful gift from a loving God. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice by dying for us on the cross and thereby providing us with a means to repentance and salvation through his blood offering. However, our understanding of the spiritual life is not a one-time experience. We must continue in our growth changing and maturing as we “feed” on the words found in the Bible. Its not a coincidence that Hosea 4:3, Romans 10:3, Ephesians 4:18, Judges 2:10, Jeremiah 4:22, and many other scriptures record the effects of not knowing God, or His ways. Without reading, meditating, and acting on the words found in the Bible, we will be open to attack and the possibility of destruction.

Ignorance is not bliss, its agony. Just ask me.