by Mitchell Skelton

When my oldest daughter woke up this morning to get ready for school, she was complaining of a sore throat. It is not like her to want to miss school. She has perfect attendance so far this year. However, this morning she stated that she just did not feel like going. I was able to secure an appointment for her with the family physician first thing this morning and wouldn't you know, it's strep throat. The doctor explained that she would be contagious for at least another twenty-four hours, anyone who comes into contact with her is potentially exposed, bad news for the Skelton household. As we traveled back to our home I started to dwell upon the past twenty-four hours, did I share a drink with her? Have I been exposed to this highly contagious disease?

What about your level of contagion as a Christian? Jesus said that as Christians we should live such lives that we literally "infect" those around us.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13–16).

While I don't think Jesus had in mind contagious diseases when he was preaching the Sermon on the Mount, he definitely had in mind the principle. A little salt in a pot of beans makes for some very good eating. Jesus said that his followers were to be the salt of the earth. Our lives should be lived in such a way that we make a difference in the lives of those around us. If we are not having that effect then Jesus says we are "no longer good for anything."

Jesus also uses light as an example of contagious Christianity. It doesn't take much of a flame to light up a dark room. Light chases away darkness. When Christians live their lives and spread their influence to the world around them, darkness (evil) is driven away! We don't put our Christianity on display to receive the praise of men, instead we do it so that God will be glorified.

The good news for the Skelton family is that once the antibiotic kicks in then the contagious phase of strep throat is finished. The bad news for Satan is, there are no antibiotics that can "cure" a contagious Christian.

Let us make the effort each and every day to "infect" someone with Christ!

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