In the past few months, a viral pandemic has gripped the whole world, and no one ever imagined that this would happen. What exactly is a virus? It is a submicroscopic inanimate participle which is generally incapable of reproduction outside any animal or human body. Once a virus enters an organism, it somehow takes on a life of its own during a viral infection. How it reproduces and creates havoc within an organism and even among other bodies dramatically depends on the infected host’s level of immunity.
This microscopic entity has shown its potency and power to cause much misery, whether it is living or not. Never did we imagine that something microscopically small could ever be responsible for a global catastrophe.
Not only is it accountable for so many deaths in different parts of the world, but global economies are also currently struggling as a financial depression looms over 2020. Who would have thought that a dangerous virus would determine the course of this new decade?
There are a variety of infectious viruses, and organisms are not always immune to all of them. Vaccination has traditionally been the best line of defense. However, as it turns out, some are against it, such as in the case of anti-vaxxers. Others are merely apathetic or have limited access to vaccinations. For many, exposure to infectious viruses is an everyday reality. Good hygienic practices significantly increase the chances of protection. Most of the time, we get infected, get sick, and hope to recover in the soonest time possible through medication.
There is another variety of dangerous viruses. Life is not always immune to spiritual viruses. Wickedness, deceit, oppressive politicking, malicious misinformation, and envy are some of the illnesses that sicken the soul. Some carry within them viruses potent enough to cause emotional and psychological hurt and damage.
Despite the authority and wisdom that Jesus spoke with and the many glorious miracles that he performed, from healing the sick to bringing the dead back to life. He was still accused of wrongdoings and condemned to death. In Matthew 12: 22-23, Jesus was accused by the Pharisees as working with the demon Beelzebul after he healed a man who was blind and mute. John 9: 1-41 shows how the Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of violating the law:
16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” (John 9: 16)
No matter how much goodness, kindness, or love we bring into other people’s lives, there exists an antagonistic force. Contradiction, opposition, sinful pride, and rebelliousness all characterize the spirit of this oppositional force.
Spiritual viruses are dangerous. They are infectious and carry within them the potency of hate and destruction. They are not a creative and life-enhancing spiritual force. Like a virus, the spirit of rebellion, malice, and wickedness might appear small or microscopic when it infects a person. A virus replicates and somehow takes on a life of its own as it grows in numbers while affecting the person and even others. Sooner or later, the infected transform into antagonistic and rebellious individuals. They bring with them division instead of unity. They promote malicious gossiping instead of constructive understanding. They become the voice of oppression instead of being an advocate for love. Indeed, something small and perhaps, negligible can be a destructive force.
Strengthen your immunity through love and an understanding of the Gospel. Let your life and the love you bring to others speak the loudest in proclaiming God’s message of love and hope. We all need Christ as our healer, especially during the darkest times, during the most dangerous of pandemics. When one’s faith is founded upon Jesus Christ, not even death can take away the resolve to bring love and hope to others. The life and death of the apostles and others touched by Christ’s life is a testimony of how one person can transform others.
Be the light of love and hope, even if this means offending the inner demons of some people. Our faith is founded upon the promise of New Life. The inoculation process can be bittersweet for us and those who feel offended. But the light is never meant to be hidden.
Matthew 5: 14-16 asserts:
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Amidst the chaos of divisiveness and confusion, light always stands out. Even a viral pandemic has no power over goodness. John 1:5 states, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
I challenge everyone to Be the Light of Love and Hope. Let your light be as infectious so that others are inspired to be their own light. Through inspiration, we use the power of the light to overcome darkness. And in so doing, we can make the world a better place to live for everyone.