Scripture: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” – 1 Peter 5:8
Examination of Chapter: Peter writes to church leaders and exhorts them to lead their flock just as Jesus did. He continues to tell the believers to be humble, to submit to God and depend upon Him to care for every need. Lastly, Peter cautions them to be careful because Satan seeks to destroy them, but God will care for and deliver them by His grace.
Application: I have never heard of “Skeeter Syndrome” in all my years in the medical field. However, my recent research of the symptoms of this dreaded disease has driven me to the conclusion that I suffer from this chronic ailment.
Skeeter syndrome is basically an allergy to the saliva of a mosquito. Instead of the small bite and minor itching that most people experience, those with Skeeter syndrome develop large, itchy, swollen welts due to an inflammatory reaction in which the body reacts by the production of histamines. The welt and intense itching can last from a few days to a couple of weeks.
The only treatments focus on the symptoms. Antihistamine or steroid creams, cold packs, and abstaining from scratching the affected areas are the recommended treatments. However, the best way to deal with Skeeter syndrome is to avoid areas with mosquitoes. Easier said than done.
Skeeter syndrome reminds me of sin. It starts with a little buzz… a hint of what is to come. I know the bite’s coming, but I’m not sure how to combat it or if I even want to do so. For example, I’m given too much change at the market. Do I keep quiet or give it back? Maybe it’s listening to the local gossip. Should I stay and listen or leave immediately? Maybe it’s what I watch on tv. A hit movie filled with violence and sin or a wholesome family film with godly values? Like a mosquito, no matter how hard I try to swat it away, it persists… just like the pesky bug. Most of the time I don’t even realize I’ve been targeted for a bite until it’s too late. I’ve been bit! Sin has struck and it’s after effects can last for a long time.
The best way to avoid sin is the same as for Skeeter syndrome. Don’t put yourself in the situation where you’ll be bitten, and if you think you’ll be in that situation, protect yourself. When it comes to mosquitoes, which are everywhere in the summer time except maybe Antarctica, I have to protect my body with mosquito repellent, applying it liberally to my skin and even my clothes (yes, they can bite through jeans!). When it comes to sin, I have to protect my spirit with the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:14-17 because verse 12 of this chapter clearly identifies my spiritual enemy. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
I must be 100% protected from mosquitoes to avoid the pitfalls of Skeeter syndrome. When I am only partially protected, it is inevitable that I will get bit, and what will follow will be days of intense itching and pain spreading outward from the bite. Likewise, I must be 100% protected against sin. Just because I’m saved and forgiven of all my sins doesn’t mean I am protected against the temptation to indulge in sinful behaviors. Therefore as Ephesians 6:11 states, I must “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The minute I let my guard down, I will get bitten, and the bite of sin hurts more and lasts longer than any mosquito bite.
Moments with God: My dearest heavenly Father, help me be alert to sin in my life. I know my enemy thrives on tempting me to act contrary to Your will, and so often, my flesh agrees. Empower me by Your Spirit to resist sin. Bring to my mind Your Word to fight the battle of sin. I know I can have the victory in Jesus. And it’s in His precious name, I pray. Amen.