Infected or Contagious?

My curiosity got the best of me. I looked up the words 'infected' and 'contagious'. I was reminded that the word 'infected' means to become sick, influenced by or be affected by an outside element or property (this word is usually associated with a disease of some kind).

The word 'contagious,' however, is different. Contagious is defined as anything that has the capability of spreading (again, usually associated with a disease) from one person or group of persons. Here are some think-it-over ideas:

1. When it comes to being ‘infected’, WHAT are you infected WITH? When people look at your face, what do they SEE? When people read your FB or Instagram posts, what do they HEAR? A person’s unresolved personal experiences can ‘infect’ them with negativity or a chronic critical bent to nearly any new idea. However, if your life is going well for you at present, you are likely to be ‘infected’ with a joyful and hopeful attitude. BOTH outlooks on life show the power of personal influence!

2. And, how ‘contagious’ are you? When considering this word, we are reminded that a contagious person ‘spreads’ that which they have been influenced by or have caught. I regularly see that negative people tend to hang out with other negative people. Yes, ‘misery loves company’. On the other hand, positive and joyful individuals often attract similar energy. I also observe that highly critical people specifically limit their enquiries or research to postings or reports that speak to their preconceived negative bias. They then inflict their negativity onto an unsuspecting world. In counseling, I see that a person’s own family, the setting of their earliest and most influential lessons, are transferred to their children. Children easily ‘catch’ that which is being thrown to them; and without questioning what is being modeled or taught.

A final few thoughts…

Generally speaking, “Are you ‘infected’ with something and do not know it?” Or, “What gets your quickest attention whereby your mood can change or be infected-- in a heartbeat?” These questions prompt us to be more self-aware and engage in positive personal growth.

Specifically speaking to the faith community, a person can be ‘infected or have an initial experience’ with God, BUT NOT BE contagious. I have coined the term, “ASG” which means, ‘arrested spiritual growth’. A person may grow chronologically but never grow up, spiritually. If a person has been profoundly and authentically 'infected' by Christ, they should have the ability to spread the Good News by way of their attitude, outlook on life, the words they speak and the service they offer to their community. A community pastor once told me he was sending new believers to my church. I was confused. I asked, “You are sending new followers of Jesus to my church? Why?” His response, “My church is not healthy enough to receive them. I do not want them to catch some of the regular negativity I hear.” This story highlights the potential for positive influence and, warns us about the perils of chronic negativity.

Final thought: the reason why TRUE revivals or "spiritual epidemics" break out, much less continue, is that people have been both infected and contagious!