If I were to mention that the coronavirus COVID-19 was contagious as new news, I think most people would just roll their eyes. In fact the very fact that as a contagion it has spread so rapidly from Wuhan, China to now 184 countries in mere months speaks to its contagious nature.
The Contagious Nature of COVID-19
For now months, the world has sought to contain and fend off COVID-19. Officially known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), COVID-19 is a beta coronavirus from Wuhan, China that originated in bats. There are many different kinds of coronaviruses. This one, similar to SARS and MERS, is a viral respiratory disease that spreads through close contact with a person who could either be symptomatic or asymptomatic through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks or by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it which is then transferred by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Its R0 number (the reproduction number which tells how contagious the disease is) has a median value of 5.7. This is an ever-changing number based upon a number of mathematical calculations influenced heavily by herd immunity and mitigation efforts.
Which Is More Contagious?
As a follower of Christ, which is more contagious? COVID-19 or your walk with Christ?
Let me suggest there are four aspects of your walk with Christ which arguably should be the most contagious thing about you: the effect of the Gospel, Joy, Hope, and Encouragement.
The Gospel
Consider the contagious nature of the Gospel:
5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, emphasis mine)
Paul describes the nature of the Gospel as it went from person to person across Asia minor. It was powerful and went all over. How? Through person-to-person contact. And boy did it go forth. Paul exclaims, “We do not need to say anything!” That’s incredible.
Joy
In the Christian’s life, joy should also be contagious. Peter helps us see this:
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9, emphasis mine)
Even though they were in the midst of trials, they demonstrated the genuineness of their faith partially through their joy. Catch that – in the midst of deep trials, tribulation, and for many away from home (1 Peter 1:1), they possessed a deep and abiding joy in their souls as a result of their regeneration. As saved individuals, their spiritual compass pointed toward joy. It is the kind of joy that understands the psalmist, “For He [God] satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 197:9).
They were not distracted by their trials because they saw them in light of what was bigger, better, and brighter. By the abundant mercy of God, they received a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an incorruptible, undefilable, and eternal inheritance, and confidence of the power of God who keeps them for eternity.
Friends, when you see the Gospel clearly, understand the promises of God emphatically, and recognize your eternal security, you possess inexpressible joy that does not fade away in the midst of trials. This kind of joy is contagious. (For an incredible article by Max Lucado on contagious joy click here.)
Hope
Staying with Peter from above, did you know what God provided them that helped them have so much joy? A living hope!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3)
This living hope impacts the follower of Christ in every way. So much so, Peter describes its effect upon those who do not know Christ.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:15-17, emphasis mine)
The defense Peter talks about here refers to an explanation. Always be ready to give an explanation to others about the your hope in the midst of the deepest sorrows and trials. In their context, Peter was immediately discussing their unjust persecution as Christians. I would suggest to you, if it is true for unjust persecution, it sure ought to also be true about living through other trials as well.
Why do you need to be ready to explain your hope? Because those around you see it. Or, in other words, it is contagious.
Encouragement
Let me suggest one other attribute of the follower of Christ which should also be very evident in times of trials and suffering: Encouragement. The person who has experienced new life in Christ should reflect in his or her words the new disposition given by Christ to that person upon salvation. This is referred to as the new man, the new disposition, and the new life. The believer’s disposition is no longer dominated by the old man; instead, he or she is clothed in the new man which is characterized by true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24; cf., Colossians 3:9-11).
Paul writes:
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29, emphasis mine)
Your words should build up, nourish, and edify those that hear you. As they do, they impart God’s grace to them. Now think about this…your words build up those who hear you which ultimately imparts God’s grace to them. Friends, those are words of encouragement that are contagious.
So What’s It Going to Be?
In your life and in your sphere of influence, what is more contagious? Is it COVID-19 or is it your walk with Christ demonstrated through your spirit and attitude as a Christian?
Here’s the sad reality. If we are not careful, we will be just like the Israelites throughout the Old Testament (cf., 1 Corinthians 10:1-12). Even though they uniquely had a relationship with God, enjoyed the presence of God, feasted from the provisions of God, and drank from God’s kindness literally through Christ, they were contagious in a bad way. They complained. They disobeyed. Instead of offering praise and worship with their words and their lifestyle, they murmured, fought their leaders, and demonstrated incredible discontentment.
We have that choice today as well. You have that choice.
So what is it going to be? Are you going to be known for your joy, hope, and encouragement through the Gospel OR your complaining, discontentment, and discouragement?
Will the Gospel be more contagious through you than the coronavirus?
Let’s pray together for both our physical and spiritual well-being that the Gospel will be more contagious through us!
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
