Spiritual Infection

# Spiritual Infection

Joseph Lister, a physician in the nineteenth century, earned the title "father of antiseptic surgery." Dr. Lister was deeply concerned about the high mortality rate among patients due to infection following major surgical procedures. He applied germ theory to medicine, drawing from the research work of Louis Pasteur on microorganisms. Dr. Lister realized that bacteria—extremely tiny and invisible to the naked eye—were the cause of infections. He was among the first to apply this theory to surgical practice. He began researching and creating various disinfectant solutions to treat wounds. Indeed, the mortality rate from post-surgical infection decreased, saving countless lives. In the 1860s, Dr. Lister began using carbolic acid (phenol) to disinfect surgical instruments and cleanse wounds. This was a breakthrough during a time when post-surgical infections were rampant and often fatal. At the same time, he transformed hospital sanitation practices. His methods led to widespread changes in hospital hygiene, including equipment sterilization, the use of clean gowns and gloves, and operating room disinfection.

Similar to physical infection, we also experience "spiritual infection" that our eyes cannot easily see. Only when we act—when we do evil and commit sin—do we become spiritually infected! "Spiritual infection" is a state of spiritual weakness, loss of hunger for God's Word, inability to sense the Holy Spirit's presence, susceptibility to temptation, living according to the flesh, a mind filled with doubt, bitterness, or pride. This leads to a corrupt life, arrogance, straying from God's Word, living a double life, lying, seeking personal gain, unwillingness to serve God, failure to serve others, and so on. Just as the body is attacked by bacteria and becomes physically infected, the soul can also become "infected" by things that do not belong to God.

The condition of "spiritual infection" does not manifest clearly, but it eats away a little more each day. Invisible bacteria—we cannot see or know when they arrive with our simple perception. While we live on this earth, we are living in a "spiritual battle." We must fight against "... 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" (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, the apostle Peter warned us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Thus, to avoid the condition of "spiritual infection," we must practice at least these 7 T's:

**1. VIGILANCE—guarding our spiritual life.** We must always be alert to avoid the "bacteria causing spiritual infection" such as envy, selfishness, pride, speaking ill of others, and so on. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mark 14:38).

**2. SELF-EXAMINATION—examining ourselves regularly.** God wants us to examine ourselves to see whether we are living in true faith, living according to God's Word, as the apostle Paul advised, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5).

**3. REVERENCE—honoring God and always abiding in Him.** "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Jesus said, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).

**4. PRAYER—praying with God each day.** We must regularly pray and meditate on God's Word so that we may be illuminated by His Word, know what is right and follow it, and avoid what is wrong. Like disinfectant solution, God's Word has the power to cleanse the spirit. Read, meditate on, and live according to Scripture daily: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2-3); "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105); "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130).

**5. FAITHFULNESS—serving God and serving others.** When we serve God and serve others, we are focusing on God's work and following His Word. This approach helps us stay away from worldly pursuits and avoids temptation. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58); "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:13b-14).

**6. GRATITUDE—thanking God for His love and care over us.** Only God, who is almighty, all-knowing, and omnipresent, can help us overcome all temptations and trials in this earthly life. Let us thank God for all He does in our lives. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15); "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).

**7. PRACTICE—living in love and forgiveness to honor God's Name.** Love is the medicine that heals all broken relationships, and it is the most effective remedy to erase disagreement and hurt. Our God is One who loves unconditionally, and Jesus Himself loved us to the point of death on the cross to restore the relationship between God the Father and us. Through this, we are not separated in our relationship with God, but in all things we can come directly to God and present everything to Him in prayer. "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves his fellow human has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8); "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32); "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).

May the Lord strengthen us and grant us grace to walk with God each day—always vigilant, examining ourselves, revering God, abiding in Him, praying daily, faithfully serving God, serving others, loving and forgiving as God has always loved us and forgiven our sins! May our lives be holy and worthy of being called His people, so that those around us may see God in us, praise His works in our lives, and open their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as the Savior of their lives! Thank you, Lord! Amen!

*The world sets many traps, who can know,* *Invisible forces, beyond measure,* *Demons and Satan lie in waiting,* *They seize the moment to cause harm!*

*With all reverence, trusting God's strength,* *Examining our spirits, giving thanks always,* *Faithful in following Him, rejoicing in service,* *Together serving, forever in love!*

(1) Joseph Lister, https://www.famousscientists.org/joseph-lister/

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