What are we infecting people with?

Contagious, exposure, infect, spread…These words flood the news and social media, stirring up negative images in our minds and causing panic in society. But what if we turned this upside down and used these words in a positive light? What about all the good things that are contagious and can be spread through exposure?

Joy is contagious. Passion is easily spread. And a true appreciation for something can be developed simply through the right type of exposure.

It is amazing how much enthusiasm is contagious. When we are surrounded by someone who is passionate about a certain topic it, that excitement can easily infect us. A woman who is giddy about sharing her latest discovery during her personal Bible study time tends to ignite a desire in me to study God’s Word too. A friend who joyously serves others, even in the midst of personal trials, infects me with a passion for service as well.

What are we spreading in our homes and communities–joy, hope, and peace? Are we infecting people with a desire to study God’s Word and pray with conviction? Is our passion for knowing and following Jesus so bold that it’s contagious? Are we exposing people to such deep love that they are asking us where we caught our “bug?”

This morning I sat in my car listening to my teenage son share his knowledge and passion for cars. He pointed out a specific type of car (one I had never heard of) and noticed that the sound of the engine could still be heard even after the car was way past us. He mentioned that this car was one that many people would look at and think it is just ugly, not much of a car. But if you really knew about it, you would know how valuable this car was. True car enthusiasts desire this car and pay big money for it!

Everywhere we go my son will point out cars and tell me interesting factoids about them. I’ve never really noticed cars much before; usually my mind is filled with lots of other things while I’m driving. But since he has started sharing his love and appreciation for cars with me, I have started noticing them a little more than before. I will probably never develop his level of passion for cars, but he has helped me see cars in a new way.

It is like this in our relationships too. Sometimes others may not see God in their lives. They may be unaware of the vast ways He cares for them and provides for them. But when we are passionate about pointing to Him in all things, highlighting His glory, wisdom, and love in everything we see, the people around us will catch this enthusiasm. We should be exposing everyone we meet with the knowledge of Jesus, spreading the infection far and wide.

If we are going to spread our faith and share our love of God, we can’t quarantine ourselves away, separating ourselves from others. We can’t hide behind masks. We must be close and intimate with others. [And yes, I mean this figuratively, not literally.] We must take the time to learn about people, hear their stories, and understand where they come from. We must look deeper than just the appearance and characteristics that can be readily seen, and open our hearts and eyes to see more. True appreciation can only come when we force ourselves to stop and really see people. I encourage us all to take the time to notice the people around us and think more deeply about how we might connect more intimately with the people who God places in our paths.

Right now it’s easy to be hyper-focused on keeping our germs from others and not spreading COVID. But maybe instead, we can focus our hearts and minds on making our peace contagious, infecting people with faith in our Lord, and spreading love and joy to everyone we meet.