Exposed, yet protected

It's been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic first invaded our United States, and it was two years ago when COVID infiltrated my very own immune system.Knowing I was infected with the virus made me feel dirty knowing there was an active disease in my otherwise healthy body. Similar to the flu, RSV, and other respiratory illness, we have taken many steps to prevent the spread of these sometimes deadly viruses.First, we maintain our health with proper nutrition and exercise, ensure adequate sleep, and attempt to decrease stress. Second, vaccines help to recognize these viruses during exposure and minimize symptoms. Third, we utilize proper hand washing skills and sometimes masks to avoid risk of exposure and to protect others.But as we take certain precautions, we are all ultimately at risk.Just as in our Christian walk, we will always face evil around us. The devil will not stop trying to infiltrate our lives with temptations through social media, television, jealousy, greed, pride or sinful behavior.The Bible says, "… Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).This verse reminds us that we were purchased at the highest ransom cost. This signifies that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, who chose to fulfill God's will in dying on a cross, so that we, in our sinful bodies, can have everlasting lives! The cost for our salvation is Jesus' blood!In knowing this, why would we ever allow ourselves to be exposed to such sinful behavior? I pray that we heed the Holy Spirit in the books we read, the shows we watch, the podcasts we hear, the influencers we follow, the food we eat, and the desires we fulfill.Although we understand Jesus has given us Scripture references on how to avoid exposure to evil, the devil will still come for us. We may be "infected" at times, however, our souls have been redeemed to overcome his threats, if and only if, we believe in Jesus as our Redeeming Savior and Protector.While there is no actual vaccine to thwart the schemes of the devil, we do have the opportunity to put on the full armor of God. There is no better spiritual immunity than having God's divine protection!Autumn Hoover is a praise team member and youth group leader at Promise Ministries Church in Kingsport.