Unfortunately, the computer would not open in any mode.
After a little research I discovered how to access the reset mode for his
operating system. There were two choices, reset keeping personal files, or
total reset (everything be wiped clean). I tried the first, then the second
only to receive an error message stating the reset could not be completed. It
is possible, maybe likely, that the hard drive itself has a damaged sector and
is unusable.
The base system in the computer will give you information,
but the computer itself is useless. The only way for the laptop to be useful
again is to remove its hard drive and replace it with a new one. Or throw it
into the bin and buy a new computer.
This is how sin is when it returns to its host. Believers in
Jesus Christ are warned again and again in the New Testament not to return to
their former life. In Christ, we are made new, a new creation. Not a repaired creation.
Not a creation that is in the mere process of being renewed, but we are a new
creation, according to the Apostle Paul. That is, Jesus enters into our life and places within us a new heart. I am glad he doesn’t just grab some old spare part
off the shelf, he gives me a new heart that is born in him.
That is right, we receive the heart of Christ. To be born
again is to be born into the image of Christ Jesus (God). I become and living
expression of the very nature of the Triune God. My words, my actions, my
responses, everything about me flows not from the act of self-preservation, but
from the beautiful expression of God’s Spirit living and acting through me. I
am not my own, but I am an ambassador of Christ Jesus.
However, if my heart becomes infected with sin, it will
return to reflecting the very enemy of God. He is easy to see. He is bitter,
jealous, easily angered, hateful, unforgiving, divisive, rude, loud, and
unashamed. When this happens to the heart of a believer the blue screen of
death appears before the eyes of those who see me. Oh the basic operating system
turns on, and the reset screen appears, but if the heart is unwilling to be
changed by the Spirit, there is little anyone can do to help me.
In the story of Cain and Able, Cain had a wretched virus. He
blamed his brother for his malady and ultimately killed him in hopes that it
would take away the disease. But Able was not his problem. His own diseased
heart was. God tried to renew him, but when we are infected with selfishness,
we often divert such attempts by God to others, and they become the victim of
our brokenness.
In our culture Christianity has often taken on a very bitter
appearance. The “Church” at times appears hateful, self-serving, vindictive,
and judgmental. None of which are found in the image of Christ. Perhaps, it is
time that we examine our hearts? Perhaps, it is time that we allow God to
restore that which once was? Perhaps, we have become like the churches of
Revelation, we have pushed Jesus out the door. We keep singing the songs, and
putting on the show, but Jesus is standing outside, knocking on the door.
Oh, that I would see my attitudes, behaviors, and responses
through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. Only then will I be fully formed into the
image of Christ Jesus. Forgive me Jesus for the times that I reflect some other
image than you. Woe is me, I am undone! Cleanse and heal me O’ gracious Savior,
let me not be far from you. Fill me with your great mercy, love, and grace.
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