In the tropics of Central Africa many people are afflicted by a disease known as sleeping sickness. In one epidemic between 1901 and 1904, more than 100,000 died in a single province.

The disease is caused by a parasite carried by the tiny tsetse fly. When the fly bites a human, it transfers the parasite to the person, where slowly but surely it multiplies in the victim’s blood. It’s a painless disease that causes drowsiness and sleep and eventually death. Before those facts were known, people saw no connection between the bite of the flies and certain death, so they didn’t even bother to brush them away.

After discovering the cause, the government began cleaning up the area around the homes. They cut down the jungle brush and sprayed the insects’ breeding places. Thus they created an environment where the fly could not thrive.

Sin is like the tsetse fly, spreading disease that creates spiritual sleep (Eph. 5:14). What is the remedy? Create an environment of cleanliness for your soul by prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and by daily relying on the Lord’s help. The flies of temptation and sin will not plague you if you keep your life clean.