Software updates on my computer sometimes annoy me. This morning I opened my computer to find that pop-up telling me I needed a software update. Often times, I choose the “try again later” option because I don’t have time to deal with waiting on the update to process at that time. Today was not one of those times. Not that I had any extra time, but I just decided to get it over with rather than continually telling my computer to update later. So I clicked “update” and it began.

 

Earlier this morning, I read the book of Philippians.  I thought about all Paul spoke to the church at Philippi. Paul’s deep love for them stood out. His strong desire to encourage them in their Christian faith also expressed the special place they held in his heart as we see in Philippians 1:8.

 

For God is my witness,

how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:8

 

Then I thought about how reading the Bible affects my life. I recognized how similar my morning Bible reading is to the computer software update. Reading the Bible is like getting a software update on my heart.

 

Let’s Talk About The Purpose of Software Updates

 

Software updates remove outdated features and add new features. They fix “bugs” or computer flaws, failures, or errors. Finally, one of the most important things a software update fixes is security holes. Security holes leave our computer vulnerable to be infected with viruses, sometimes, malicious viruses. Making sure we update our computers sounds pretty important to me.

 

Reading the Bible Downloads Software Updates For the Christian Heart

 

I want to encourage you to take a moment to read Ephesians 4:22-32.

 

Ephesians 4:22-32 shows us our outdated features once we are in Christ. Paul called those outdated features, our “old man” and tells us to put off the “old man.” Paul explained putting off the “old man,” the part of us that grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts. He listed some of those outdated features as: lying, stealing, corrupt words, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice.

 

Paul also told us how to get our software updates.

 

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man

which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:23-24

 

The truth is that you and I have bugs (flaws, failures, and errors) that we need fixed in our heart. Daily reading God’s word, daily downloads a software update for our Christian heart. In addition, it also fixes our security holes, those places in our hearts and lives that are vulnerable to infection of spiritual viruses.

 

In Ephesians 4:27, Paul warned us to give no place to the devil.

 

The apostle Peter also warned us:

 

Be sober, be vigilant;

because the devil walks about like a roaring lion

seeking whom he may devour.  

1 Peter 5:8

 

Viruses infect our computers when someone has intentionally sought and found a security hole. The devil intentionally seeks security holes in our life to infect us, damage us, and maybe even destroy us. But, we have an available update that protects us from his evil deception that damages, and even works to destroy us.

 

I love what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 about some of the amazing benefits of Scripture.

 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

Lastly, look at what David wrote so long ago about the power of putting God’s Word in our heart.

 

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!

Psalm 119:11

 

My encouragement, dear sisters, is to protect yourself. Get in God’s Word. Stay in God’s Word and hide God’s Word in your heart. Daily download a software update for your Christian heart. It is our correction and protection!