Are You Bugged?

For those of us who depend on the Internet, the question “Are you bugged?” has become a very serious one in the last few days. It turns out that the lock that signals to us that a website will keep our information secure has actually left our private data unsecured for more than 2 years. The encryption technology that's supposed to keep us safe has been compromised by what is being called “the heartbleed bug.”

It isn't a virus that attacks your computer; rather it's a breach in the way the encryption system on websites works which can allow personal data such as passwords and credit cards to be compromised. Since the majority of Internet websites employ the compromised security system, hundreds or even thousands of websites may have been affected. The “bug” leaves no trail, so it's impossible to know if your information has been “bugged.”

The only thing that users can do is wait for websites to clear the bug from their systems, and then change all passwords on those sites that have our confidential information. It is also suggested that users monitor credit card statements and bank account information carefully for possible irregularities. Virtually everyone who uses the Internet has probably been affected, but it is impossible to tell how much personal data might have been compromised.

Awareness of the existence of the bug and vigilance, to determine if any of your information has been compromised is your best protection from possible damage by the heartbleed bug.

While this latest computer security breach is certainly serious and demands our attention and protective action, there is an even more widespread and pernicious “bug” that we are all exposed to, but few of us realize. It is called “spiritual warfare” and it is a battle that takes place in our minds.

Scripture warns us that we are fighting, not with other people, but with spiritual principalities and powers that are called “strongholds” and “high and lofty imaginations.” We are urged to tear down these forces that come against us, but many of us do not recognize them, for they are cleverly disguised, and like the “heartbleed bug” they don't leave a clear trail for us to detect.

Our best protection is first to remember that this warfare takes place in our minds. The spiritual forces “bug” us with thoughts that we automatically assume are our own. We find ourselves trapped with repetitive ideas of worry or fear. Our minds recycle memories of personal hurt that keep our anger and agitation stirred up. Our inner calm is disrupted, we are restless and have difficulty focusing or maintaining a positive outlook.

We need to remember that when we have negative thoughts we can't shake, our minds may very well be “bugged.” We can “debug” our minds by filling them with God's word. Meditating on God's promises of love, provision and protection is the most effective way to eradicate the “bugs” of spiritual warfare.

Are you bugged? Start spending time in God's word everyday. Focus on what He is saying to you, and those troublesome thoughts will stop bugging you!

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM or our new afternoon service time at 1:00 PM. I will be discussing God’s wonderful promises available to us through our covenant in Christ Jesus. My sermon title is “Shadow and Substance.”

Pastor Che