The leading cause of death

From: Ben Kelley
Subject: The leading cause of death

Each year, billions of dollars and untold hours of research and development are invested in attempts to eradicate, or at least diminish the effects of, thousands of diseases. These programs and the people behind them make valiant efforts to combat the sources of mankind's sufferings. The dedication exhibited is admirable. The efforts and those making them are definitely worthy of receiving our applause and assistance. Our personal support and efforts towards the individual causes though, are generally meager, unless we are connected with and affected by a particular one, either personally, or, via a close relation. The amount of dollars and effort expended are generally greatest for those things that affect the greatest number of people. For example, diseases of the heart and cancer are two of the leading causes of death and suffering, ergo they receive more than some illness isolated to a small number of people or a small region. That is logical. What if I told you there was one, though, that caused heartbreak and suffering for every single person who ever lived? Do you think you would be willing to invest a little time, effort, and money toward at least reducing its effect?

There most definitely is one that meets this criteria, affecting every single one of us, yet it probably receives less attention than some disease that most of us have never even heard of. If we really believe there is a thing so destructive it kills everyone, it seems we would at least devote something into the effort to fight it. Well, there is such a thing, and there are things God tells us to do about it. Would you please consider these, as we take a brief look at The leading cause of death?

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)

Sin is the carrier of this dread disease, and every one of us is in intimate daily contact with sin, although only one exposure is sufficient for infection, once we reach the point in our life we can recognize and choose our relationship with it. Sin destroys, not 1 out of 10 victims, but every single one, and everyone is afflicted by it. What can you do to work against it?

You can personally conduct and assist research to identify and combat it-

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:10-11) Learn the Word of God. Memorize and meditate on what it says. It tells us the only cure for death. Through us, others who have no contact with, or grasp of, the Word get the message as we faithfully spread it around. Do some research, fight sin by learning the Word of God.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) Assist God in revealing the sickness in you by asking Him to and then opening yourself willingly to His probing.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (or handling as a tool) the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) As you study and memorize God's Word, you will become better at handling the tools needed to fight sin.

You can give to the cause-

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:17-18) Your money can provide others the ability to devote their efforts more fully in to the battle. I'm not pressing you about "tithing"; just get started giving some dollars. Get started investing something, even if it's small. I have done some interim pastoral work and can testify that working fulltime to provide for my family is quite a restraint on what one can do in ministry.

You can, and are directed to, offer compassion and hope to those afflicted-

Go then, and make disciples of all the nations, giving them baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: (Matthew 28:19 Basic English Bible) But give honour to Christ in your hearts as your Lord; and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride; (1 Peter 3:15 BEB) How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without one who preaches (speaks the message of the good news)? (Romans 10:17 Darby NT) Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father is also merciful. (James 2:13) God gave us the message of hope about sin and death and told us to give it out to the lost and dying peoples of the world.

I'm sure all of us would help in any way we could if loved ones and friends were suffering from a terminal illness. Well, they are, and that illness is sin. It results in death, always. Will you help fight the leading cause of death?

Ben