From www.merriam-webster.com:
contagious [kuh n-tey-juh s] - adjective
You've probably asked someone when they were sick or have been asked by someone else when you were sick "are you contagious?". Contagious infections can be detrimental to one's health and they're something that we all tend to avoid if at all possible. When someone is contagious they may, without even trying, pass their infection and sickness along to someone else. That person, then passes it to another person and so on, sometimes resulting in an outbreak or epidemic. So are you contagious? I don't mean with an infectious and deadly physical disease. Are you causing people to feel or act in a similar way as you? Things like smiles can be contagious. Try it for yourself. Smile at someone today when you pass them in the hall at work or school, or while shopping at the supermarket. Most of the time the smile will be returned. I've been doing this at work and I can't tell you how many frowns and stoic faces have morphed into smiles. Are you contagious with the infectious fruit of God's Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV - [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Loving others unconditionally, joy despite the circumstances, peace in times of trouble, patience in frustrating situations, a gentle demeanor and the entire list in Galatians 5 are contagious when they are in action in our daily lives. Being kind is contagious - just ask someone who has had a random act of kindness done to them. When these traits are being produced in our lives, those around us won't be able to help feeling and acting in a similar way. The fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives will not go unnoticed by the people around us and will make in impact in our world. We will become contagious. But we can't be contagious with something we don't have. The above list is the fruit of God's Spirit - what naturally grows out of our lives when we are filled with the Spirit. If you aren't exhibiting these attributes, then maybe you need more of God in you. Jesus said it this way: John 15:4-5 NKJV - [4] "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. [5] "I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. So do a quick "fruit inspection" of your life and if you're not "bearing much fruit" then commit yourself to abiding in Him - to spending more time with Jesus and His word. As you grow closer to Him, you will become contagious with his attributes and make an impact in your world. Blessings, Patrick A. Thomson
0 Comments
The church is labeled as the bride of Christ and if we are going to be married we need to know what it takes to have a good marriage. (This article can help you in your marriage to your spouse, as well as your relationship with The Lord; it's a twofer, and at no extra charge :-)
1. Faithfulness: don't break the trust, because it is difficult to get back Here are fours ways to demonstrate faithfulness: a. Behave in faithful ways consistently b. Avoid doing things that disappoint or create suspicion in your spouses mind c. Consistently show your spouse that they are a blessing to your life d. Let faithfulness be upon your mind and in your prayers 2. Forgiveness: mistakes will be made; hone up to them and ask for forgiveness Here are four steps to forgiveness: a. Choose with your free will, to forgive. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it's a choice b. Make the promise to get rid of the burden of guilt. Don't save it for later c. Seal your promise with love and kindness d. Pray and trust God to allow you to forget 3. Communication: you can be married without it, but you can't have a great marriage without it Here are four deadly sins of communication: a. Shutting down - you being a baby will not help anything b. Silent treatment - it's called communication because both sides actually communicate (wow, that was deep) c. Scolding - your spouse is not a child, don't great them like one d. Shallow limits - surface talk or talking around something get nothing done If you have a great marriage, it only got that way because you both worked at it! If we're going to have a great marriage to the groom, it will only happen because we work at it. Go have a great marriage, Pastor Hoffman |
First Thoughts
|