Reboot

It can happen easily enough. A few years ago our computer got a virus. How it happened I do not know, suffice to say that we lost partial control of our computer. It could have been far worst. For us, whenever we connected to the internet we were constantly rerouted to a gambling site. As long as we stayed off of the internet we could use the computer, use the wordprocessor, download pictures from the camera, listen to the music, play games, etc. But going on the internet was useless. We tried to remove the virus, but to no avail. In order to get rid of it we would have to reboot the entire computer - essentially we’d have to start with a clean slate, going back to the day the computer arrived at out home. All the files, pictures, emails, everything accumulated since owning the machine, gone!
I set out to back-up all the files I could.

I had never re-booted a computer before and to say the least I was anxious. What if I got it wrong? Would the computer ever work for us again? Would we have to buy a new one altogether? Fortunately I was able to reboot the beast and get on with life again. We lost all of our email addresses and saved messages, but everything else was fine! Whew! In order to prevent a virus takeover from ever happening again we installed an anti-spyware program along with an updated virus checker. No problems since.

The spiritual analogy is obvious. It is all to easy for the viruses of the world (sin) to creep into our hearts and take over. We to need to install a ‘virus check’ and keep it updated. The Lord invites us to accept Him into our hearts, and to walk in His ways. The install program is accepting Christ’s work upon the cross for the forgiveness of your sins. The activation button is the confession of your sins, and an earnest resolve to walk in newness of life. The virus check is the Holy Spirit in our hearts working with our conscience and will. To keep the system in top operating order we need to add knowledge of Scripture, prayerfulness, fellowship with other ‘rebooted’ people (committed Christians), and frequent participation in receiving the mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Lord in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Have you been rebooted? - Give you life to the Lord Jesus Christ!
Have you had your system updated lately? - Come to worship and fellowship.

YE that do truly and earnestly repent you of
your sins, and are in love and charity with
your neighbours, and intend to lead the new
life, following the commandments of God, and
walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw
near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to
your comfort; and make your humble confession to
Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.

Brian+