Wednesday Wisdom: Allergies, Frenemies, and Faith

I am not a scientist. I did a lot better at English and Literature classes than at Chemistry or Biology. But, God, in his wisdom, and maybe his witty sense of humor, entrusted me to be the mom of a kid who is allergic to everything. EVERYTHING. And, because God wastes nothing, I think He is using this to stretch me outside my comfort zone. 
So, I read books written by doctors, and listened to people who have way more years of college than I do. And I've learned a few interesting things. 
I'm still not the most qualified person to explain how allergies work, but here is what the Mayo Clinic says:

"Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people.

Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system."

In a nut shell (no pun intended), a part of your body that was meant for good turns on you for all the wrong reasons.

There are millions of theories for why this happens. I've read or been sent each of them in an forwarded email at sometime, I promise. Honestly I don't trust anyone who is a little too sure. There's just so many variables. But, one idea that I find especially interesting, whether it proves true or not, is the "hygiene hypothesis." This basically proposes that perhaps in more developed countries where we have eradicated many of the diseases that still plague others around the world, with safe drinking water available, and lots and lots of Clorox wipes (well...until 2020), there are more cases of severe allergies such as my son has. Maybe because our immune systems have nothing better to do than attack a jar of peanut butter. It's a double edged sword, really, right? I stand by the idea that these things are actually really good. But, they've left our immune systems looking a little like a teenage boy who's been in quarantine too long.

But what does all of this boring science stuff have to do with faith, Christy?

I'm glad you asked. I think we have three major things to learn from how allergies work, and what the 'hygiene hypothesis' says about our spiritual state right now. 

1. The battle isn't about what you think it's about. 

This is more true now than ever on so many different levels. We've been sitting around for months and now we are fighting with everyone and their mother (quite literally) about everything. And we think we're mighty warriors. But we're like my son Moses' immune system attacking a kiwi instead of cholera. 

We think we're fighting our friends, neighbors, and, heaven help us, lawmakers, who don't believe in science. We think we're fighting school boards who want to keep our kids at home forever. Or the greeter at Walmart who doesn't look so happy these days. We're not. We're fighting a deadly virus. But we can't get anywhere because we're too busy fighting ourselves. 

We think we're fighting a battle about police versus people of color.  But I believe we're fighting against an evil bent towards sin in each of us that causes us to prefer what's familiar and will always put our rights above others' if left unchecked. And, when left unchecked in the hearts of the majority or those with power, as it has been for too long here, it is deadly in every possible way. 

Maybe we think our battle is against our old roommate from college who posts dumb stuff on social media. Maybe we think we're in a battle against the left or the right, socialism, capitalism, Target's restroom policy or even Chick-fil-A. God bless the chicken

 Maybe there are certain times to take specific aim if your convictions are in line with the Holy Spirit. But, these are not the battle you were made for. Here is your real battle:

I Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." Know. Your. Real. Enemy.

2. The Enemy Is Trying to Destroy Us From The Inside Out.

If we have finally recognized who the real enemy is, can we stop and contemplate how easy we have made this on him? He doesn't have to destroy us because we're destroying ourselves. He doesn't have to lift a finger, just sit back and wait for friendly fire to do the job. Have you stopped and really thought about who you've been fighting? Your team mates. The body of Christ as an autoimmune disease.

3. We're Attacking the Wrong Stuff Because Our Faith Is Getting Bored.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think that the persecuted church in creative access countries has time to fight about whether to sing hymns or modern praise songs. I doubt they would define persecution the same way we do. And, I know they would not get as easily offended as I do. Offended is my kryptonite. These are signs our faith is too weak for the real battles.

Brothers and Sisters, you were MADE for a battle. That feistiness was made for a purpose. Just like our immune system was made for fighting diseases, you were made to be a warrior. But, we've been spiritual couch potatoes for so long that we've forgotten what the real battles are. We were made to fight injustice, addiction, and the sin that wants to entangle us. We were made to fight FOR each other, not against each other. Your battle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).

What is next then? How can we move forward from here?

I would recommend three things. And let me be clear I need this list as much as anyone. 

1. Make up, ask for forgiveness, and play nice with our team mats.

2. Exercise your faith by putting yourself in uncomfortable and challenging situations. 

3. Keep an eye out for the real enemy attacks.