A few years ago, I had a mole on my back that my doctor said looked unusual. As the doctor examined it he decided it needed to be removed. After sending the specimen to the lab it was discovered the mole was cancerous and a diagnosis of melanoma in situ was made. In situ essentially means the cancer was in its original position and with this type of cancer that was good news.

The edges of the biopsy showed cancer still remained in my back and so a second procedure was performed to remove any other potential cancerous tissue.  A mole the size of a pea had now left a nearly three-inch scar on my back. The good news was that the cancer was superficial and had not spread, and would not cause me any further problems.

This cancer discovery now meant that each year I would now be scheduled for annual cancer screenings with a dermatologist. The dermatologist each year currently studies the moles all over my body and evaluates my face for lesions or moles that may be discolored or have altered shapes or be of concern. This has gone on for many years now.

One of the dermatologist’s goals each year is to look for what he calls precancerous lesions. These lesions are usually discovered somewhere on my face or head. These lesions can come in many forms, shapes, and sizes. When these are diagnosed by the doctor, he then freezes them with liquid nitrogen. The goal of the nitrogen is to eliminate a potential cancerous threat.

The freezing is mildly painful, but the treatment and reward is extremely beneficial. This evaluation, screening and simple treatment prevents moles or lesions from becoming deadly cancers. Without timely intervention, these benign appearing marks could lead to deepened danger and catastrophic consequences. The dermatologist essentially offers me a means of prevention from cancer by diagnosing and removing precancerous lesions.

Many of us in our spiritual lives have precancerous lesions. These precancerous tendencies, habits, paths, temptations, and weaknesses, can quickly become cancerous if we are not careful. These cancerous conditions will lead to spiritual slumps and spiritually falling asleep.

We need to be constantly evaluating and diagnosing our spiritual condition so that we can recognize precancerous lesions and treat them. Left untreated these precancerous lesions will grow and metastasize and jeopardize our spiritual health. We must recognize and treat them early, so they do not fester and become chronic conditions. We must prevent these spiritual cancers from destroying our spiritual lives.