But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. Acts 4:40
Whether I like it or not, the words and actions of those around has some impact on how I live. The reverse is also true. For better or worse, the way I live has some impact on those around me. I go to the gym I go to because I saw the difference it made in other’s lives. There are now those who go to that gym because of the experience I’ve had. I attend my church and recovery meetings because I saw how they helped transform lives. So, I now tell others about my church and recovery meetings. My behavior is affected by those around me and I, in turn, affect the behavior of others.
The people I admire most, are those who consistently make everyone around them better. I want to go to church with them and I want to work out at the gym with them, because they make me more like who I want to be. I desire to be that kind of person, the kind of person whose behavior is contagious – in a good way.
In today’s passage, we’re told of Peter and John, whose lived contagiously for Christ. In the story, God used them to heal a man of his physical handicap. Though the religious leaders were irritated and had the disciples arrested, those who witnessed the event, couldn’t help but be changed. Many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. Peter and John lived in obedience to God, loving those around them and sharing the gospel of Christ. This was infectious, resulting in the transformation of thousands.
If we call ourselves Christians, if we truly follow Christ, we too, should want to live contagious lives. We should live in such a way that others see our love for God and our love for our those around us. Some will be offended and repelled. That’s not our concern. Some will witness and be transformed for the better. We may not be able to miraculously heal the sick, but as Christians, we should live in such a way that God uses us to make others who he wants them to be. As followers of Christ, we should live contagiously – in a good way.