Disease and Sin

Some say ignorance is bliss. And in some cases, this is true. Yet, things such as the Ebola outbreak in Africa are deserving of careful attention and the attention of our prayers. 

Those suffering from Ebola within West Africa, it has been reported here, could reach to a high 1.4 million by January. What is more, there have been roughly 2,800 deaths attributable to this virus. (Click on these links for more information)

Certainly, the number of cases, deaths, and projected cases are cause for great and heavy concern for those living in those areas. And it must also be a worldwide concern, as we look at the reality of this ever growing illness.

Yet, living in the United States as a young person so easily consumed with college and other responsibilities and planning, I can forget this dreadful reality that is taking place even as I type. Giving it no thought would be of no benefit for this heartbreaking situation. Further, one could say that this malignant quality of the illness requires that it be a priority on our hearts so that we may be driven to prayer and to action as necessary. 

And just as this illness has devastating influences, so too does our sin (James 1:15). And as Jerry Bridges states, if “left unchecked, it can spread throughout our entire inner being and contaminate every area of our lives. Even worse, it often will ‘metastasize’ from us into the lives of other believers around us” (23). The illness of our sin is real, and giving it no thought would have devastating consequences for our lives and for those around us. And in light of this, it calls for action, “repentance and contrition” (Bridges 30). 

Just as the Ebola outbreak must be our concern and one in which a blind eye would do nothing but effect damaging results, so too must be the attention we give to our sin. 

Lord, humble us and break our hearts for the things in this world and in us that breaks your heart. 

Living Life as a Saint

Last week, there was a story by FOX News about an elderly couple who remained inseparable until their death – which occurred together. This story reveals the selflessness of a man who lovingly served his ailing wife until their end. One could have even said that his actions toward his wife were those of a saint. And the selflessness demonstrated here creates in me a desire to live that life-long service. Some who spoke about this couple said that they would be together forever, even in death. Although I affirm that marriage is temporary (Matthew 22:30), it reminds me of the needed heart attitude as I prepare for this season. In this way, rightly interacting with my soon-to-be spouse is one practical application of living out the reality of being made a saint.

Jerry Bridges, in Respectable Sins, shares that our privilege of being named a saint is not because of our “character but . . . state of being” (12). So, there is a responsibility for us as believers to respond in a way that reflects that we have been “separated . . . ‘for God’” (Bridges 12-13, 15). This cannot be something that I merely reckon with my mind, but it must be played out in my actions. 

Bridges discusses the Air Force's investment in cadets preparing to be officers (13). And it causes me to think: if much has been invested into these young people for their becoming what they have been set apart for (on a temporal scale), how much more should I be intentional in acting out being set apart eternally for God (Bridges 12-13). And this truth ought to see fruit in my preparations for becoming a wife (which is a wonderful but temporary status). 

Yet, as I walk this journey, I find out how strong this “guerrilla warfare between the flesh and the Spirit” is (Bridges 15, 14). And one book which has been helpful in this season and battle is Dave Harvey’s When Sinners Say “I Do”. While was reading this book, I was forced to look honestly at my pride within this relationship. So very humbling! And it should be something I continue to read. You can check out some more information about this book here.

Thanks for joining with me! I'm looking forward to conversing with you!