There has been quite a lot in the media over the last few weeks about the dangers of an outbreak of this year's version of the influenza virus. Apparently, doctors are afraid of the emergence of a new and more powerful strain that could cause considerable suffering, and even death. The elderly are considered to be especially at risk, and are strongly urged to get vaccinated as a precautionary measure. This threat is considered to be so serious that the government has for some years provided free immunisation for everyone over 65.

While community awareness of this problem appears to be steadily growing, it is disturbing that there are still many who do not seem to take it seriously. Yet, if we do fall victim to this disease, we are not the only ones that suffer. Those around us are affected by our inability to function properly and are themselves threatened with infection.

There is another kind of virus that seems to have spread rapidly over the past few weeks and is causing many serious problems to people with computers. I, personally, have been attacked a number of times, but so far have been immune because my Macintosh computer used a different system, and also, I have kept my virus protection up to date. Nevertheless, I know of others who have spent hours trying to clean up their computer from the effects of this virus attack.

I have also heard of a number of concerned people who have fallen victim to a nasty hoax. Someone has sent out an e-mail warning of a virus that cannot be detected by the normal virus protection programs. They give the name of a particular file, and how to find it in the Windows system, and warn that unless it is detected within 14 days it will corrupt the whole computer. They also encourage you to send the warning on to as many others as possible. Many well-meaning and concerned people have done this, only to find that the file they have deleted is a normal part of the Windows operating system! It is amazing how fear overrides our reason!

The serious virus that is infecting many at the moment has a number of forms, but usually contains the name 'KLEZ'. It operates by being carried as an attached, but hidden file on another e-mail. The host e-mail usually has a title that will interest you enough to open it. I have heard of some that contain pornographic pictures. Once opened, the KLEZ Worm attacks the computer's address book and sends out copies of itself to all the e-mail addresses in your computer. To confuse matters further, it may pick one of those addresses to put in the "From", or "Reply to" window. You may get an infected e-mail from me (even a pornographic one), simply because our e-mail addresses were both on someone else's list, and their computer was attacked. (I received several from St Mark's "office" address!)

With the threat of this kind of infection multiplying, it is essential that everyone who uses e-mails has an up-to-date virus protection program. Not only are we ourselves at risk, but, without protection we can be the source of infection for others.

As dangerous as these sorts of virus are, there is another kind that is far more deadly. This virus is so widespread that it is often regarded as normal. Yet, if left untreated, even the slightest infection will inevitably lead to death. What is more, just as it is difficult to detect, this virus is even more difficult to treat. There is only one effective remedy worldwide. Even though a number of alternative treatments have been put forward, they only deal with some of the symptoms and do not eradicate the underlying infection.

This most deadly virus, more dangerous than any other known to man, (even AIDS) goes by the name of 'SIN', and has its origins in the beginning of human history. As the Lord said to Adam's first son, Cain: "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7). History tells us that Cain did not master it, and all of us since have suffered the consequences.

The "SIN" virus is all-pervasive."Jew's and Gentiles alike are all under sin." (Rom 3:9) "Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin." (Gal 3:22) And the inevitable result of sin is death: "The soul who sins shall die." (Ezek 18:4) "The wages of sin is death." (Rom 6:23)

The only answer to this disease of sin, and the death it brings is Jesus. Through his death and resurrection he has overcome the power of sin and death. This is the only remedy. "There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) "The blood of Jesus ... purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But, like any remedy, it will not work unless we take it. We must, by faith, accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf and submit to his rehabilitation program. Only then do we have nothing to fear.

John Davies
19 May 2002