Our immune system is a wonderfully complex system created by our heavenly Father. It serves as our primary method of defense from disease and infection, and it keeps us healthy. It protects from outside attacks and comes equipped with mechanisms that fight off invaders that can bypass our external defenses. In the same way, God has given us a spiritual immune system to help us fight off the wily attacks of the enemy. So, let us discover what our physical and spiritual immune systems are comprised of and how we can optimize these systems to keep us healthy and strong.
In our physical body, our immune system is equipped with a first line of defense that prevents penetration from all kinds of microbes, germs, and diseases. Our skin is just one way that the immune system helps prevent germs from entering the body.1 In addition, nasal hairs, saliva, and tears also block outside invaders. In the spiritual realm, our first line of defense is putting on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (NLT). Just like our skin, tears, and saliva act as barriers against attack, putting on the armor of God also protects us from attack. The assaults of the enemy cannot penetrate the armor of God. So, we need to arm ourselves daily!
The immune system’s second line of defense contains blood cells, such as white blood cells, and proteins. They all work together to inhibit invaders from spreading throughout the body. If your skin barrier has been penetrated, your body produces these cells and proteins to mount an attack to kill these invaders. Therefore, sometimes you will have a fever because it is your body’s response to an outside attack. Spiritually, this is where the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God comes in. When we are in the Word and attacks come, the Word helps battle these foes. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (NKJV).It is an offensive weapon, just like the cells and proteins in our body. They attack. The Word attacks.
The third line of defense in our immune system is the most specific. It can attack invaders because it remembers them from previous attacks. Antibodies identify, destroy, and remember.2 For example, if we develop mumps, our body creates specific proteins or antibodies directed at the mumps so that if we are ever exposed to mumps again, the antibodies attack these foreign substances and mark them for destruction. This is how prayer works! When we sense an attack, or are amid an attack, we can go to God in prayer, praying in the Spirit, directing our prayers toward specific issues. Romans 8:26 says, “And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words” (TPT).
Jesus acts as our intercessor. Jesus is our antibody against attacks! His intercession goes directly to the throne room in heaven and helps us in times of sickness, weakness, or trials.
We have discussed what the immune system is and how it works. But how do we make it stronger? There are several things we can do to boost both our physical and spiritual immune systems. First, we can make sure we eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. We should also try to avoid processed foods. A healthy lifestyle is “the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy.”3 This includes exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and limiting stress. Vitamin D can help boost the immune system as well. This can be through taking a supplement or just getting outside and soaking up the sunshine! One last physical immune booster is also spoken of in Scripture. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness and depression” (TPT). Being joyful and laughing bring healing to us! So, let’s laugh!
Since prayer and the Word are part of our spiritual immune system, we can boost it through daily prayer, Bible study, and worship. As we wait on Him, He renews our strength as it states in Isaiah 40:31. So, when we feel fatigued, sick, or under attack, instead of curling up in a ball, we need to rise up and attack through prayer, reading the Word, and worshipping Him!
God has given us the tools both physically and spiritually to be healthy. We just need to use them.
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