Spiritual life through the eyes of a computer

Ok, so this is an interesting download and revelation but a profound one. I work in the computer world so especially unique way to think about the spiritual world. (Note, this applies to PC users... Macs, be patient) So, here we go.

1. The Operating System - The operating system of the computer is the primary software that runs the computer. It is the set of rules, systems, and programs to operate how the computer performs. Through it all processes happen for every part of the machine. Compare that to us. We have a heart, soul, mind, and body. Within that heart, soul, mind, and body, we have a belief system, a set of rules that we live by like concepts of fairness, etc., and a structure and order that we follow. We have mindsets that we adhere to that determine personality.

2. Different by Design - Each computer is designed to do different things just as each person is designed to do different things. Think of RAM as the ability to process information and how much information could be taken in at one time. Think of Hard Drive size as how much a person can remember. Imagine someone who has 20 Gigs of RAM and a 5 Gig Hard Drive. If that doesn't make sense, this just means that this person can process a lot of information really fast but not store any of it to memory. Some computers have video software attached, some have audio attached. If we were all computers in a corporation, each computer would perform a different function, but we are all computers and we all are designed for a purpose.

3. The Data - Information is stored in our heads and our hearts just as they are in a computer. Information flows from one place to another on a regular basis. The data also varies from computer to computer as does the data from person to person. The data present in the computer can speed up or slow down a computer. It can create cause problems or create solutions.

4. The Internet - The internet is the channel for communication in the computer's world. In our world, communication comes through the natural channel and the spiritual channel, which looking at it from a big picture perspective, are really the same. From the internet, data can be downloaded that can be both positive and negative, harmful or protective. In our world, Satan can lie to us, God can encourage us, people can bring us down or people can build us up.

5. Malware - This is a collective term for all malicious software that can be downloaded onto the computer. Malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, etc. Spyware is designed to spy on you. In the spiritual realm, this is like the enemy sending out scouts to collect data on you. The data allows the enemy to then exploit or manipulate you in some way, shape or form. Adware is designed to get you to pursue ads that pop up on the screen. Think of it as advertisement-software. Satan is trying to advertise to you to get you to go to different sites, etc.

6. Viruses destroy the Operating System - So, worst of all is that viruses destroy the operating system. Depending on what we allow into our minds, hearts, and bodies, Satan can destroy us. In fact, Satan can re-arrange our entire operating system so that we no longer become functional. Our mindsets are altered, our belief system is shaken, and we have been marred from our original creative purpose. Our blue (depressed) screen of death comes up and we can no longer work the way we are supposed to work.

7. Re-loading the operating system - When a computer is beyond repair because it's operating system is so corrupted, then it's time for a re-load. All the data that is on the computer, save maybe (pictures) memories, (documents), are destroyed. The old operating system has to go and a new one has to be installed. This is like when Jesus comes into our hearts. He formats (cleans everything out) and starts us on the right foot. The computer is ready to run well again.

8. The anti-virus software - Unfortunately, the enemy won't stop coming to try and destroy the operating system (what's in you). If you are not protected, you will get hit. But thank God for Anti-virus software. The anti-virus software suite is designed with a set of tools to equip your computer to handle viruses - sins, attacks, demons, lies, wounds. Tools consist of things like active and passive scanners, security updates, Virus Definitions, anti-rootkits, and a firewall.

9. The Security Updates - God wants us to become more secure in who He is. It is only by truth being revealed in our life that our security level is enhanced and we are greater immunized/protected. Security updates come through reading God's word and having people bless your spirit.

10. The Virus Definitions - These are a list of known enemy attacks and how to destroy them. When a virus scan is run, the more virus definitions that are active allow the scan to destroy a greater number of viruses. Virus definitions are updated by reading God's word.

11. Active Scanners - This would be like when you click on the button that says "Scan My computer" now. You are actively looking for infections and lies and attacks of the enemy. Active Scanner is like us praying fervently for realease and forgiveness. It also can release a person from sickness or bondage.

12. Passive Scanner - This is active when the computer's opperating sytem is doing it's day-to-day thing. The Holy Spirit is iterceding in computer clicks and occassionally, it may find something wrong. Then, the Holy Spirit scan brings it to your attention to get rid of it.

13. Anti-Rootkits - Now, here is where the fun begins. Really nasty viruses create what are called rootkits. These are bases of operation and a defense post for viruses. Imagine an underground swarm of demons waiting for attack time. They are protected from most of the scans/prayers. The anti-rootkit software is designed to unearth these spiritual strongholds and destroy them. They open up the opportunity for the other defense mechanisms to destroy the viruses. An anti-rootkit would be comparable to prayer, fasting, forgiveness, healing ministry, and casting out the demonic forces. Basically, Operation overkill. Compare a rootkit to a stronghold.

14. The last tool is my favorite of all. You will get hit but it allows you to stop the attacks from coming through. Nothing can access your operating system without bypassing it. This is the FIREWALL. A firewall is a gateway that won't let anything in or out without the user's permission. Paul said "Take every thought captive to the authority of Christ." Christ is the Gatekeeper and can stop every single threat to your operating system.

15. Closing - We all have problems with our operating systems. However, there is hope. Through the tools God has given us, we can defend against and actually destroy the enemy. We have to be equipped through the word. We pray to find the viruses and we use the word of God to destroy them. It is only when we come to enlightenment and become a mac that everything changes. Then, there is no need for virus protection.