What We Have Is Contagious

            It has been truly stated that “Christianity is not something you catch, like measles; it is something you learn and believe and commit yourself to with faith in Christ as Lord.” Yet, among Christians, as in all other groups, relationship, there is much that is “contagious” for either good or ill in our relationship with each other, and with the world.

            Godliness, Christ-likeness, meekness  righteousness,  and  goodness  are contagious qualities because of their beauty, and because of their fresh, healthy and happy change from the attitudes and actions ordinarily met with in our passage through life. To His disciples, Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? Ye are the light of the world. A city that is on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matt.5:13-16).  We are able  to see  and  come to a  full  understanding of the message Jesus is getting across. Our hearts are tender and open to this eternal truth, and place it  into our  life  for  approval  of  the Almighty God. There are those who may not come to worship  services, but   who may  be  influenced  by  our  Godly   example  and  spiritual  attitude of  those  who are letting  their light  shine for others to see and be helped. Godly examples are both influential and contagious!

            It may be well stated that attitudes and righteous dispositions are highly contagious among members of the Lord’s church. Nothing is more contagious and destructive than is a spirit of on going criticism and continual fault-finding. On the other hand, let us be ever thankful that it is also true that encouragement, cheerfulness, optimism and trust are highly contagious attitudes  and needed  qualities! The writer of  the great book of Hebrews was inspired to write for us to know that there is nothing any more contagious than for us to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Heb. 10:24).

            The beauty and blessings of Christianity should “stir” us up, and should keep us stirred up. Without doubt, there is  the need for us to be aroused and have a renewed zeal in our task the Lord has placed before us.  Paul wrote, “beloved, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain  in the Lord.”  (1 Cor.15:58).  May  we  practice the contagious spirit of courageous confidence which upheld the early Christians!

. . . .Fred  House