Contagious Obedience

by Macy Johnson

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said,

“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.

“I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”

(Matthew 8:2-3 NIV)

People near Jesus refused to touch the leper, afraid of contracting his disease. Jesus boldly pushed past their reluctance. Allowing himself to come in contact with the man’s leprosy, Jesus pressed His healing love into the sick beggar’s darkness. He obeyed his Father’s command to bring life from death.

We are under attack. Sin, all around us, is contagious. The world’s ways are not God’s ways. Evil forces push and pull at us, wanting us to accompany them on their deadly, destructive path.

Many years ago an audit manager asked me to pirate a software package, to make illegal copies. She told me it was permitted “because everyone else does it.” I refused, was obedient to the truth, and left the company.

After leading a Bible Study at church I was drained, beaten down. My daughter was with me and refused to sit still, a distraction. What a test that was! Then someone complimented me on my presentation. I thought I had failed, but everyone signed up for the class! Obedience was rewarded.

I was clearly disobedient on Thanksgiving Day this year. Once seated around the big table, my husband leaned over and asked if I wanted to give thanks. Stressed from the preparations and confusion, I announced, “Let’s thank God in our hearts, individually.” That was wrong. I’m sorry I didn’t give my family the opportunity to openly express their thanks to God for His amazing goodness.

Let’s not miss the truth that God’s children are created to be obedient, contagious, and spread the light of his love in every situation so they can enjoy a deeper relationship, connected to Him and each other.

I will seek to glorify God as I travel toward eternal life with Him, obedient, filled with His love. I hope you will, too!