SPIRITUAL FLU

I took my Mom this week to the doctor’s and later dropped off her prescription at the Pharmacy. In both locations I was made very aware that it’s that time of year again for flu shots. These two places had signs posted offering vaccinations that reportedly increase immunity to these pesky viruses. I’m also aware that there are some other good resources for fighting the flu. This includes making sure your immune system has a boost with extra vitamins, like C and herbal supplements like Echinacea, avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands and getting plenty of rest.

Throughout God’s Word, striking differences pop up between the worldly and the spiritual. There is worldly wealth versus spiritual wealth, worldly teaching versus spiritual teaching and worldly health versus spiritual health. Ephesians Chapter 6 verses 10-12 addresses the issue of spiritual health. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The Apostle Paul urges believers to build up their spiritual immune system so they are prepared to step into spiritual battle.

God’s Word offers resources to make sure each person is spiritually strong. What is your strategy to combat a spiritual virus? What is your plan to be spiritually healthy, and not weakened by a spiritual flu? In the same way you work to stay physically healthy, you must take steps and measures to remain spiritually healthy. Equip yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer. You don’t only need one or two of these protections to keep yourself spiritually healthy. You need them all!
These are spiritual disciplines that can help you to become spiritually strong. You must put on the full armor of God. Some of these disciplines are solitude, prayer, obedience, Bible study, confession, generosity, serving and worship. What are you doing to live a spiritually healthy lifestyle? How can you make sure you are staying healthy during every season of your life?

Don’t be surprised when spiritual battles come; be ready. For the important battle is not against the worldly forces, but the spiritual ones.

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