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.