Would you rather live in a country with anarchy, or in a country with a strong centralized government with a monopoly on power? Probably none of them would be good places to live and thrive.
I grew up in Norway, a small democratic country that embraces both individual freedom but also emphasizes appropriate laws, regulations and restrictions.
Looking at nature we see law and order. There are many laws in nature that we take for granted, such as the law of gravity – we expect to come down after a jump; laws of light and reflection – we expect to see ourselves when we look into the mirror; laws of motion – we expect to use the brake pedal if we want the car to stop.
We also observe laws and regulations in the human body. Much of what is going on inside us is in some way or another regulated by genetic information with the aim of keeping the human body in balance.
Normal cellular growth and function are highly dependent on a tight balance between growth stimulation and growth inhibition. This regulation depends particularly on certain genes.
Sometimes certain genes may be defective from birth, while other times the genetic mutation may be acquired at some point in life. One of the most known mutations is TP53, and is most often acquired after birth. TP53 mutation leads to uncontrolled cell division and defective DNA repair. Acquired mutations represent new and dangerous information that causes the cell to depart from the original DNA script and turn into an uncontrollable cancer cell.
This has similarities to the biblical understanding of sin. Sin and freedom from God’s principles and laws represents in this worldview something new and detrimental to humans. Sin is at its core that we live and follow other principles and laws than the original God given laws.
As the cancer grows it becomes more difficult to treat
As the cancer grows and develops and eventually spreads to other parts of the body it becomes more resistant and independent to measures taken by the body and doctors to deal with the tumor.
So it is with sin. As we continue to move away from God’s laws, principles and recommendations we become more resistant to His influence and leading. A long life with bad habits tends to solidify our character and behavior, and makes it more difficult to turn back to God and deal with sin.
Cancer – short term benefits turn into misery
At first, a cancer cell or a small tumor may seem to have advantages over normal cells. The cells grow with a type of freedom that may appear beneficial at first. However, as the tumor grows it becomes evident that the body as a whole suffers because of it. In the end the tumor may cause death, not only to itself but to the whole organism.
So it is with selfishness and sin. In the beginning, being selfish or indulging in other sins can appear beneficial to the person. Freedom from rules and regulations may feel like true freedom. However, as time goes on, selfishness and sin tend to be destructive. Physical, mental and spiritual health may deteriorate to the point where it causes irreversible damage.
A self-centered life where freedom from laws and regulations is the norm may appear as a better way of living in the short term. However, sooner or later degradation and destruction follow, both in our own lives and in the lives of people around us.
Conclusion
The cancer cell teaches important spiritual lessons. Cell growth and cell function are tightly regulated by information in our DNA. When new information enter the cell through a mutation such as TP53 the cell begins to grow and divide uncontrollably. At first it may appear beneficial to the cells, but disease and misery usually follows. The cancer cell teaches us that a good life is not lived in a state with no rules, regulations and restrictions. Both individuals and societies need rules and laws in order to function optimally.
Sin resembles cancer in several ways as it starts out with new and foreign information and promises freedom. This may appear promising, particularly in the beginning. However, as the person continues to move away from Gods principles negative effects are often felt both within the individual and the people around the person.
Seek freedom, but go with the (divine) script
