Acute and Chronic

An acute illness is one that comes on abruptly. A chronic illness is a nagging problem that lasts for months or years. Some of us have chronic medical conditions that have been endured for decades. Most of us have had several acute illnesses that came, were perhaps even severe for a time, but were overcome.
Recently we have been warned of the danger of an acute case of COVID-19 striking someone who already has some chronic medical problem. While this virus is bad for anyone, it is more dangerous for those with underlying, chronic diseases.

Might there be a spiritual parallel? Are there chronic spiritual diseases that make us more susceptible to an acute spiritual attack? Surely there are.

Those who do not abide in the word of the Lord (Jn 8:31-32), those who have ceased to hear his instruction (Pr 19:27), are more susceptible to acute spiritual illnesses. Those who do not know the voice of their true Shepherd are more likely to be led astray by a false shepherd (Jn 10). Failure to read and study the word weakens our spiritual constitution and makes us more likely to succumb to sin. Those who do not respect their spiritual leaders (Heb 13:7,17), those who neglect to assemble with their brothers and sisters when they could (Heb 10:23-25) are thereby weakened. Those who harbor secret sin, even what seems to them to be minor secret sin, are weakened and more likely to fall in time of major temptation.

We must all do daily battle with chronic sin. For chronic sin, if unchecked and untreated, weakens us and makes it more likely that we will fall in an acute attack.

The most common farewell term these days is “be safe.” But being really safe involves a lot more than face masks, hand washing, and social distancing. We need to build up our spiritual constitution – strengthening the spirit by daily communion with the Lord, frequent fellowship with the saints, and by practical service. One cannot be strong in a moment of Satanic attack if one has allowed subtle and secret sin to weaken the spiritual constitution in the months leading up to that attack.

Let us conclude with a song,
“I washed my hands this morning, so very clear and bright;
“And gave them both to Jesus, to work for him till night.
“Little feet be careful, where you take me to;
“Only things for Jesus, ever let me do.”