Allergies

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5 NAS)

"Achoo!" I exclaimed as I quickly covered my mouth with my hand. “Looks like I'm going to have another day at the mercy of my allergy.”

Allergic reactions are an exaggerated response by one’s body to one or more allergens or external foreign substances, according to the doctors. A standard method of diagnosis for allergy is the skin-prick test or pricking the skin with a small amount of various allergens to provoke a small, controlled response. Mild reactions to allergy include sneezing, running nose, teary eyes and skin rash. Serious reactions can be fatal. Medications for allergies control include antihistamines, steroids, among others.

One of the most effective, least expensive, and simplest treatments for allergies mentioned in an article at MedicineNet.com is avoidance. This includes simple methods like regular cleaning and keeping the house as mold and dust free as possible. Temperature and humidity reduction can also lead to fewer symptoms and vastly improve the quality of life. However, this approach is not always followed and many people continue to choose medications or vaccinations instead, despite their drawbacks.

Like the sneeze that comes as a result of allergy, our spiritual walk with God can at times also be visited by ‘allergens’ or external ‘foreign substances’ such as our old sinful nature or temptations. A good method of diagnosis to measure our spiritual health is through a test to examine ourselves and our ways to see if we have lowered our standards (Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5). If mild reactions of areas we have fallen behind are detected, we should quickly address the problems and lay them down before the Lord, otherwise persistence can result in serious reactions leading to fatality (Romans 1:28).

An effective, simple and yet free ‘treatment’ to get back on our feet when we slack behind is avoidance. Avoidance is about coming clean before God through the confession of our sins and purification from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is also about keeping our house—our body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit—mold and dust free from our sinful nature and being led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Avoidance demands we keep clear from the 'heat and humidity' of worldly enticement and ungodly people (Romans 16:17; 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 2:11-12). Doing this will help reduce our exposure to unneeded trouble and vastly improve our quality of life and walk in Christ. Sadly, however, such advice is not always heeded and many people continue to sit on the fence despite knowing the dangers. Are we one of them?

Forgive us dear Lord for sometimes slacking behind in our walk with You. Purify us O Lord and cleanse us from all our sins. Do not let us be caught up in the entanglements of this world or persist in our old ways. Remind us Lord to regularly examine ourselves to see if there be areas in our lives that are not pleasing to You. Keep us clear from ungodly activities Lord that we may not expose ourselves to unneeded trouble but improve our quality of life and walk in You.