Recently Michelle and I returned from a 31-day trip to Africa where we visited four different countries. At first we were very wary of the various bugs and the diseases that they carry, be it Malaria, Dengue fever, Bilharzia, etc. We were vigilant against them, having mosquito nets over the beds, citronella soaps and sprays we put on our bodies. We even sprayed the door sills and windows, which often left enough access for critters to get in even when closed.

In one of our lodges I noticed a major ecosystem of bugs in the roof. I didn’t tell Michelle exactly what I saw for fear of not being able to sleep throughout the stay there. I hoped the bugs would eat each other and not bother us.

As we went along on the trip I noticed a decline in the diligence in which we kept the critters at bay. We still slept under the net, and did basic things, but the window sills and doors began to be untreated. Critter complacency seemed to creep in.

How often does this same thing happen in our lives in regard to the evils in the world around us? We all agree it is getting much worse. Indeed the sin is exponential in its growth and reach. We are bombarded with it daily via TV and Internet regardless of where in the world we live or visit.

In South Africa a big banner crossed the M1 motorway advertising the Sex Expo coming the following week. Ads to go visit the various lounges at the expo that suit your particular twisted sense of morality. In each country ads proving the “sex sells” slogan were all around, no matter how poor or rich the neighborhood.

I cannot help but think of 2 Peter 2:5-9 where God condemns immorality, and particularly Sodom and Gomorrah. Peter talks of Lot being vexed daily by what was seeing and hearing around him.

In our world we also are vexed daily. Are we succumbing to the onslaught by becoming complacent? Do we begin to accept this as OK and begin to believe the political correctness promoted all around us? If so, we are in danger of our salvation.

Another month or more in Africa and perhaps we would have let down enough that we could have picked up one of the insect-borne diseases. Thankfully we did our part as much as possible, and let God help protect us. We must do the same when it comes to this world’s acceptance of bad behavior in any form.

God the Father and His Son expect more of us when he gives us His Spirit. He expects that gap between the way of the world and the way of righteousness to get ever wider. If the gap merely stays the same, we are losing...because the world is advancing toward sin and death.

We finished God’s Feast picturing the Millennium and final Day of Judgment when all sin will be put down. Now we have returned to a world of Satan and should be vigilant as we once again pre- pare for the new annual feast season. It is a reminder of God’s plan for us to come out of this world and prepare to start a new one. Don’t become complacent. Keep the spiritual nets up, and don’t let the “bugs” of this world take a bite out of your spiritual hope of eternal life.