To be a joyful, contagious follower of Christ we need a sense of certainty and assurance about our salvation. Too many times, worms of unbelief borrow deep into our faith and spoil our peace. Even though we claim God’s forgiveness and ask to be led by His Spirit, we’re troubled by a nagging fear that we should be doing more.
This fear prevents us from sharing with others what we’re not sure of ourselves, and lowers our spiritual passions to a simmer. When this happens we are extremely vulnerable to a debilitating virus that preys on unsuspecting Christians.
The “L” virus, first detected in Revelation 3:15, was named after the first century church of Laodicea in Asia Minor. What began as a healthy Christian community eventually became infected with a graceless orientation of salvation by works.
Warmed leftovers of human effort took the place of fresh helpings of God’s grace. As material wealth increased, many were less passionate about spiritual things. Eventually the whole church had the “L" virus in epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, Christians today are still susceptible.
Like many viral infections, the "L" virus can debilitate and kill. Among the infected, it first manifests itself with a loss of wonder and gratitude for God’s grace. Then misunderstandings arise that cause its victims to become apathetic and complacent. In its latter stages the “L” virus leaves a wake of self-satisfied “Christians” who think they are saved, but whose hearts are far from heaven.
As with any disease, early detection and treatment can save lives! Before we look at some aggressive measures for treating the condition, there are three key warnings you need to note:
1). Attending large, comfortable churches increases your risk of contracting the disease. This is especially true for those who choose not to exercise their spiritual gifts. Spectatoritis is an accompanying disorder that afflicts “L” virus victims. This is displayed when church members feel content to sit on the sidelines and watch others act out their faith. Somehow they assume they can vicariously experience the benefits of spiritual exercise by just watching others do it. This is particularly true with people who limit their religious experience to paying tithe and attending church.
2). Seventh-day Adventist Christians in North America are more likely to contract the virus than their counterparts in third world countries. The typical attitude of an “L” virus victim is, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17). With refrigerators and cupboards filled with food, easy access to instant cash from ATM’s, and well-padded saving’s accounts, daily survival is quite predictable. God appears less “necessary.” It seems redundant to pray, ”give us this day our daily bread” when we already have it!
3). Once the “L” virus is contracted, most victims fail to recognize they have it. With this disease, the eyesight is the first thing to go. Victims don’t realize they’ve lost their ability to discern spiritual matters. Many who are spiritually naked and impoverished think they are clothed with a beautiful garment of righteousness. But God’s x-ray vision sees their true condition--rottenness to the core.
Prescription for Recovery
Thankfully, it is possible to beat the “L” virus with timely detection and proactive treatment. If you have not had a recent spiritual exam, you owe it to yourself to have one as soon as possible. You can start by taking this Eleven-Point Spiritual Exam. Once examined, if it becomes obvious you have the disease, here are some steps to help you find relief.
A. Seek a large dose of God’s grace. Expose yourself to the simple truths of God’s assurance, forgiveness and love. Key Bible texts to consider include:
“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Rediscover the splendor of God’s grace! Through scripture and prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to re-awaken your sense of wonder and awe! Bath your mind in the simple message of the Cross.
B. Seek healing and renewal. When you discover God’s free grace, don’t be afraid to accept it. You may ask, “How can something this good be free?” Resist the temptation to try and bargain with God. Admit your need, confess your sins and boldly accept what God has promised.
Remember, only the sick need a physician. If you are sick and in need of healing, you’re a likely candidate for God’s grace.
C. Accept salvation’s guarantee. God doesn’t ask us to entrust our lives to Him without providing evidence that He’ll do what He promises.
“This is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:13,14).
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).
D. Invest in others. There’s enough trouble to keep you occupied with your own problems ‘til Jesus comes. It takes intentional effort and deliberate choice to break out of the box of self pre-occupation. Until you do so you are missing the experience of your life and God’s influence is handicapped.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. . . Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another” (1 John 4:7-9, 11).
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).
Healing and Recovery
When you find yourself spontaneously praising God and wanting to share His grace with others, that’s when you know the “L” virus has lost its potency in your life. No longer will you be among those who walk in spiritual darkness but think they are in the “light." And no longer will you be a carrier of this deadly disease!
Rich DuBose is Director of Church Support Services for the Pacific Union Conference and a producer of Christian web content.
