God and the Hacker

[JR]

My computer was recently hacked and infected with a virus.
This virus caused some files to continuously write to my
hard drive using up all of my free space. The computer would
suddenly freeze and I would get a low disk space message.
Since this only occurred when certain programs were started
you can imagine my frustration. I am not a computer expert
and it took me several days to figure out the problem. Then
I spent several hours deleting the infected programs and
several more hours restoring my operating system. Not
exactly a fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday.

Along the way I updated my obviously obsolete firewall and
virus protection programs. The new scan eliminated several
other viruses I had been unaware were infecting my
computer. I had updated my operating system but had
neglected to also update these programs and to be sure they
were compatible with the new system. Another change was the
switch from a dial-up connection to DSL. With the new
connection my computer is always connected to the internet.
Until the hacking occurrence, I was unaware of the extreme
nature of the risk I was taking with my computer and
sensitive personal information. You may want to read
another hacker inspired article about identify theft, "What
do You Mean I Am Not Me," that is available on the Scam
Central page of our website.

While waiting for various programs to load, I was preparing
for the next day's lesson since it was my turn to teach our
Sunday School class. Midway through the lesson I was struck
by the similarity between ourselves and our computers.

In the "Dial-up" mode we are connected to the world only for
short spurts of time. Our presence is not likely to be
detected by the "Great Hacker." Since we do not accept many
new things into our lives, we do not come into contact with
the virus demons that can short-circuit our goals. As a
result we allow our personal firewall to crumble and
corrode. This happens when we stop going to church or
praying on a regular basis. We lose contact with our
Christian support group that has sustained us in the past.
We are doing just fine on our own. God has no place in our
daily lives and we only think of Jesus at Easter or
Christmas. We have also picked up a few "minor" viruses.
Maybe we drink too much, but only on special occasions.
Perhaps we mistreat our family, but only once in a while. We
have allowed these viruses to slip into our lives because we
convince ourselves that they do not really interfere with
our day to day operations.

Then something happens. We get a new job or a promotion. We
may move into a new neighborhood. Possibly it is some
tragedy or illness that causes us to be reconnected to the
world on a full time basis. The hacker becomes aware of us
and exploits our weaknesses. He finds a "back door" or
"Trojan Horse." Then he sends his viruses to further infect
and weaken our system. Soon he knows all about us and he is
in complete control of our computer and our lives.

The answer is that we must stay connected to God, the
ultimate firewall. This is the one firewall that Satan
cannot penetrate. But this is not enough. We must also have
Jesus Christ in our lives. Jesus allows us to scan for and
detect the viruses and demons that are continually trying to
ruin our lives. Even then this is not enough. We must
continually update our firewall and virus protection through
prayer and church attendance.

Many people are confused because they think the firewall and
virus scan will completely protect them. No, bad things
still happen to good computers and to good people. Lightning
may strike and send a surge. You may spill Coke on the
keyboard. Your teenage son may be involved a horrible car
accident. Your sister or your brother may steal from you.
What it does mean is that no matter what happens your
operating system, like Job's, will remain safe and
untouchable.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Wayne Patterson is the author of "Solidgoldmonthly" home business newsletter. Home business news and views that you can use. No scams allowed!
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