God and the Hacker
My computer was recently hacked and infected with a virus. This
virus caused some files to continuously write to my hard drive
using up all of my free space. The computer would suddenly
freeze and I would get a low disk space message. Since this only
occurred when certain programs were started you can imagine my
frustration. I am not a computer expert and it took me several
days to figure out the problem. Then I spent several hours
deleting the infected programs and several more hours restoring
my operating system. Not exactly a fun way to spend a beautiful
Saturday.
Along the way I updated my obviously obsolete firewall and virus
protection programs. The new scan eliminated several other
viruses I had been unaware were infecting my computer. I had
updated my operating system but had neglected to also update
these programs and to be sure they were compatible with the new
system. Another change was the switch from a dial-up connection
to DSL. With the new connection my computer is always connected
to the internet. Until the hacking occurrence, I was unaware of
the extreme nature of the risk I was taking with my computer and
sensitive personal information. You may want to read another
hacker inspired article about identify theft, "What do You Mean
I Am Not Me," that is available on the Scam Central page of our
website.
While waiting for various programs to load, I was preparing for
the next day's lesson since it was my turn to teach our Sunday
School class. Midway through the lesson I was struck by the
similarity between ourselves and our computers.
In the "Dial-up" mode we are connected to the world only for
short spurts of time. Our presence is not likely to be detected
by the "Great Hacker." Since we do not accept many new things
into our lives, we do not come into contact with the virus
demons that can short-circuit our goals. As a result we allow
our personal firewall to crumble and corrode. This happens when
we stop going to church or praying on a regular basis. We lose
contact with our Christian support group that has sustained us
in the past. We are doing just fine on our own. God has no place
in our daily lives and we only think of Jesus at Easter or
Christmas. We have also picked up a few "minor" viruses. Maybe
we drink too much, but only on special occasions. Perhaps we
mistreat our family, but only once in a while. We have allowed
these viruses to slip into our lives because we convince
ourselves that they do not really interfere with our day to day
operations.
Then something happens. We get a new job or a promotion. We may
move into a new neighborhood. Possibly it is some tragedy or
illness that causes us to be reconnected to the world on a full
time basis. The hacker becomes aware of us and exploits our
weaknesses. He finds a "back door" or "Trojan Horse." Then he
sends his viruses to further infect and weaken our system. Soon
he knows all about us and he is in complete control of our
computer and our lives.
The answer is that we must stay connected to God, the ultimate
firewall. This is the one firewall that Satan cannot penetrate.
But this is not enough. We must also have Jesus Christ in our
lives. Jesus allows us to scan for and detect the viruses and
demons that are continually trying to ruin our lives. Even then
this is not enough. We must continually update our firewall and
virus protection through prayer and church attendance.
Many people are confused because they think the firewall and
virus scan will completely protect them. No, bad things still
happen to good computers and to good people. Lightning may
strike and send a surge. You may spill Coke on the keyboard.
Your teenage son may be involved a horrible car accident. Your
sister or your brother may steal from you. What it does mean is
that no matter what happens your operating system, like Job's,
will remain safe and untouchable.