Do you have an allergy to anything–a weed, food, medication, an animal? Or are you one who is immune to everything–you can walk through the middle of a poison ivy patch with no reaction? I was one to walk right in. I have a son who is extremely allergic to poison ivy. Caring for him as a child I never worried about contracting it–I wasn’t allergic. 

While clearing the weeds from my fence one day a neighbor warned me of the treacherous weed weaving its way through. I thanked her but proudly announced I wasn’t allergic and continued on with no protection and no fear. The reaction I had, started that evening and continued to worsen on my face until I was nearly unrecognizable. It took an antibiotic and two steroid shots before I humbly returned to normal.

Do you ever think you are immune to the problems other people have? “We’re very careful we won’t get pregnant.” Or maybe, “I know my friend is an addict but I’m stronger than that. I won’t get hooked.” “Look how fat she is. I’ll never let that happen to me.” Do you ever find yourself looking at danger and jumping in without any protection believing you are immune to stupid mistakes or the resulting consequences?

A lot of people, including me, have been brought to their knees saying, “I never thought it would happen to me.” As I wrote this I received word that a young man I know–only 30 years old–died today from taking bad drugs. I’m sure he thought it would never happen to him or the younger companion who also died. They were aware of the danger and yet they jumped in. “I ignored what my teachers said, I didn’t listen to my instructors.” (Proverbs 5:13)

We seem to think we are untouchable on our own when the Word clearly reminds us how much we need to put on the armor of God, every day. We are not immune to the diseases of this world but if we will listen to the instructors God sends us, we will be spared from many dangers. “So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist…” (Ephesians 6:13)