Thinking Inside the Box (Romans 12:2)

Sometimes you have to think inside the box!

Scientists at the Rhode Island Hospital’s Center for International Health have come up with a novel approach to a vaccine for malaria. Malaria is caused by parasite that is carried by a mosquito and is introduced into our bloodstream when we are bit by the insect. Once the malaria parasite enters our bloodstream, it immediately infects the red blood cells and liver cells. The above photograph, taken from Smithsonian Magazine, captures the moment the malaria parasites are bursting through the red blood cells.  Most vaccine therapies have focused upon blocking the parasite from entering the cell or attempting to directly eradicate the parasite. These scientists focused on a protein PfSEA-1. This protein is critical to allowing the malaria parasite to escape a red blood cell so that it may infect other red blood cells. A vaccine was created that blocked the protein, trapping the parasite in the red blood cells, and preventing the malaria parasite to escape, thus mitigating further spread of the parasite. The entrapped parasites remained in the red blood cells until normally cleared by the spleen. These researchers were thinking outside the box by thinking inside the box!

We often seek solutions to life’s problems by looking for creative answers, thinking outside the box. We pass laws to ensure that no group is disenfranchised. We create programs to address a wide variety of needs. All of these efforts are noble but all are external solutions and do not address the root of the problem. The problem is us. We are all sinners. The change has to first come from within us.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

God has provided all of us a solution through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Solving life’s problems can be an exercise in creative solutions. But to truly solve the problems of life, we need to first think inside the box. We need a Savior who can change our hearts and make us right with God. Only then can God transform us, renew our minds, and allow us to see the problems and solutions to life, the way that He wants us to see them.

Blessings with Aloha!