The Cancer Within

Inside the body a cell is calling for mutiny. This single outlaw cell recruits others to join his nefarious plot. At first the other cells refuse to acknowledge the rebellious one, but it isn’t long before one, then two, then groups of others join. This rogue band remains one of the smallest parts of the body, yet this new band of cells are bent on recruiting others as they roam throughout the body looking for the weak and willing.

In time, these collective cells become strong enough to cause damage to the rest of the body. Then again, the body is much larger than the cells and is unaware and little concerned about the spread of potential mutiny. In no time at all it becomes apparent that something is horribly wrong. Tumors caused by a convention of rogue cells, severe pain throughout the body, organs that aren’t working right, and incredible weakness and fatigue.

Each of us know someone who has been affected by cancer, but were you aware that we all live with our own cancer - spiritual cancer - just as deadly and much more serious? Little seeds of ideas and temptations roam through our hearts, minds and souls seeking a hearing. Once they receive an audience, the mind tends to entertain the wicked seed. Soon the sin cancer is ravaging the mind, heart and soul. We find ourselves living with tumors of rebellion and lust, experiencing the severe pain of regret and revenge, experiencing a mind that doesn’t work right, and feeling incredible weakness. "Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12 - NIV).

Just as treatment for bodily cancer is intense, severe and sometimes radical, so too must the condition of sin be removed by Someone with greater skills than we have. Sin will never go away completely and you can’t get rid of it on your own. Jesus is referred to as “The Great Physician” and He is the only One with the qualifications to combat Spiritual cancer by radically removing sin. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10 - NIV).

He provided a medical book, the Bible, to help you become aware of symptoms. He also provides a full list of preventative measures to help us avoid the pain associated with spiritual cancer caused by sin. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11 - NIV).

The most radical forms of Spiritual cancer could be avoided if individuals would consult the manual before symptoms begin, but far too often a full blown case is in effect before the manual is consulted. The survival rate is 100% for those who consult The Great Physician, however, much pain and distress could be eliminated if preventative measures would have been implemented prior to the onset of spiritual cancer. "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16 - NIV).

The manual suggests self-examinations on a regular basis "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell... Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 5:29, 7:1,2 - NIV). 

A full examination by The Great Physician is available on request. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalm 139:23 - NIV).