CONTAGIOUS

When we hear that something is “contagious” it is generally used in a medial sense, for germs, viruses and such, but today I want to look at it in the “emotional” state of being. Contagious: adj. of an emotion, feeling, or attitude, likely to spread to and affect others.

Each year when it is cold and flu season rolls around, we are reminded to wash our hand frequently, take vitamin C, stay home when we are not feeling well so we won’t spread our germs to others, get plenty of sleep, eat well and get our flu shots to try our best to stay healthy. But when it comes to our spiritual wellbeing and things that are contagious, we are not always as diligent to protect ourselves as we should be.

Did you know that being around a complainer all the time will rub off on you? Yes it does! And I know that some of you know exactly what I’m talking about because you might be married to one, or have parents, relatives or close friends who are. Also, we can’t forget—you yourself might be a complainer or “Debbie Downer!” Negativity is contagious no matter how it is dished up.

I have a relative who constantly talks about what ails them every time we speak. They’re a Believer, but when it comes to healing they’d rather talk “sickness”! Sad to say, I don’t call them often, because I’ve found after several minutes of listening to them, my spirit starts to feel heavy. No matter how much I try to change the subject or encourage them, they always bring it back to “woe is me!” Some people like being where they are even if it is not a good place. It is what they are used to and truthfully become very comfortable with. It has taken me awhile to get this, but I protect myself from people who really don’t want to grow, make change and or love being miserable. It is not good for me—it is a contagious negative. But on the other hand, faith is also contagious and so is laughter, kindness, joy, love and a slew of other great things all Believers have access too, if we desire.

It is important to work on staying spiritually healthy and strong as much as the physical. Just as we should frequently wash our hands, we should frequently talk about what the Word of God has to say with other Believers. Medically we are encouraged to take daily vitamins to help supplement nutrients our body needs, spiritually we should make sure to have a daily dose of Bible reading, meditation and prayer. We dress warmly to protect ourselves from the cold—we should also surround ourselves with people who are positive and strong in the things of our Lord, to help protect our hearts and mind.

We often hear, “I caught a cold!” But truth be told, no one goes around trying to catch a cold—it comes after you! And we start to fight it off at the first signs, with either over the counter meds or natural remedies. Either way, we do what we can not to let it consume and overtake us. But the best scenario is preventive measures.

Of course in many cases as a single woman it is easier for me to distance myself from a negative contagion versus someone who is married to such a person or has to live with someone who falls in this category. That is why it is so important to cultivate friendships with people who can encourage you, are fun to be with and make you laugh. We need people in our lives that help to lift us up and we feel better after talking to them or hanging out with them. It’s a good feeling when someone starts laughing so hard they can’t tell the story of why they are laughing, yet it becomes contagious and before you know it—you’re laughing with them even though you don’t know why.

Dear sisters, I know each person’s life has its own unique circumstances and we must exercise godly wisdom in how we deal with people—but there are situations in which we just need to make the decision to make change in our circle of people—because they are toxic and what they have to offer is very contagious.

With the New Year quickly approaching many of us will soon be on a new health kick, but don’t forget—our emotional and mental health is very, very important. It can affect our physical health in many ways. Just as we try our best to put distance between someone who is sneezing and coughing all over the place so that we don’t become sick—we should be as wise for our spiritual wellbeing too. Amen!

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NKJ)

Until next week….be blessed!!

Love and Hugs
Ponnie