Infectious!

There has been a lot of concern regarding not having enough flu shots available for everyone who wants them. People from our state have even traveled to Canada in order to get in on the supply there. However, there is a worse sickness than the flu -- something which can be highly CONTAGIOUS -- with much more serious side affects and ultimate results.

Someone has stated … “Sin is not inherited, but it is contagious.”
[source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie.]

Paul declared “the wages of sin is death.” ( Romans 6:23) Being concerned about the CONTAGIOUSNESS of it, he warned the Corinthian church regarding what they were apparently allowing to remain in their midst (note 1 Corinthians 5:1-5), asking “Do you not know that A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP?” ( 1 Corinthians 5:6 ESV) Just like yeast working through a whole batch of dough, sin’s INFLUENCE must not be underestimated. Though it may work silently, it’s power steadily begins to take over.

As Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, he stated his alarm at how they had allowed themselves to be influenced away from the truth they had received. They had accepted a gospel which was no gospel at all. ( Galatians 1:6-9) What they had been drawn away to did not hold the power and the complete hope of the true which Paul had preached in their midst.

Again, using the “leaven” analogy, Paul wrote…
“(7) You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? (8) THIS PERSUASION is not from him who calls you. (9) A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP.” ( Galatians 5:7-9 ESV)

Who are we running with? What influences are we hanging around? As we try to INFLUENCE those around us we must guard against underestimating the potential power that unrighteousness has to INFLUENCE us instead.

Let us do our best to infect this world with righteousness. May our life exhibit an infectious godliness, joy, love, peace, etc., that will potentially INFLUENCE the lives of those around us to accept the Way of God.

Have a great day HELPING THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO BE CATCHING!
Carl

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