Of Micro-organisms and Men

I sat down beside my friend at the cafeteria table to eat dinner as we enjoyed chatting about our day. We were new friends and she had just informed me that her undergraduate degree was in microbiology. She must be smart, I thought. She pinched off a piece of her paper napkin and put it between her thumb and forefinger to grasp the salt shaker and season her food. I sat open mouthed at her OCD (Obsessive Compusive Disorder) behavior...What was she doing?

She proceeded to lecture me for the next half an hour on the millions of micro-organizms which live everywhere around us. I guess there's a real down side to being a microbiologist. I always say, What you can't see can't hurt you. If you know what I mean.

Now I am not a disgusting slob or anything but I do not see the purpose in being a germophobe either. You can carry a tissue in your pocket to open every germ infested door and before you know it, you'll just decide it's easier to stay home in your germ free home. Me, I'd rather just get out there in this world with all of its invisible dangers lurking in the unknown of what I can't see. And if I have to tango with a germ, well, I'll face that dance when I get to it.



Maybe I had better rethink my philosophy. The micro-organisms are taking over the world, people, and we had better arm ourselves or at the very least hide out until the danger has past.

And now that I've been doing the dance with the micro-organisms lately...I'm thinking maybe my friend was right. I've disinfected my home three times daily, washing all bedding, vaccumming carpets obsessively and wiping down doorknobs with Lysol wipes after each use. The germs are waging war, but I WILL NOT LET THEM WIN!!!!

The germs are like little teensy tiny terrorists and their goal is TERROR. Well, they've just about got me, folks.

There's other hidden "terrorists" out in this world too, you know. They are invisible and they use fear to control us and they are ready to attack at any moment. The Apostle Paul says,

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authoriteis, against the powers of this dark world and agsint the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

So, maybe my battle is not against micro-organisms but something much bigger. It's a spiritual battle and this is my opportunity to defeat Satan by relying on God's strength in my fight with the teensy tiny terrorists. It's really not so much about the germs as it is about my attitude. I've been letting this battle get me down and I'm frustrated and irritable. Instead of relying on God, I've been trusting in my flesh, which has led to a bad case of grumpies.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...and stand your ground! Okay Lord, I'll look to You for strength today and I WILL stand my ground against discouragement and irritation with You by my side.

Join Lori, at All You Have to Give as she meditates on the "details" each weekend.