What Kind of Contagious Are You?

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In late winter and early spring, a school can become a breeding ground of contagion. Viral infections often sweep through the student body as one person after another comes into contact with the germ(s) causing the sickness. Until the virus is contained or runs its course, sickness will continue to be a problem.  Likewise, bad attitudes can also become viral, and as teachers, we need to ask ourselves if we are the source of any infection in our school.  I am afraid that if we do not pull together, we will pull apart at the seams as the pressures of change and a lack of funds press upon us. It’s very easy to lose focus and shift the blame for the new demands placed upon us, but the truth of the matter is that we are ultimately responsible for dealing with these pressures in a way that glorifies God. As much pressure as meeting the demands of rigorous testing, new syllabus requirements, larger class sizes and fewer teachers to share these burdens places on us, those things are minor when compared with the fact that one day we will be standing face to face with Jesus. Will he look at me like I am a disease that needs to be quarantined because I have spread infection everywhere I’ve been, or will he look at me and commend me for being a child oozing His contagious grace?  What kind of contagious are you?
Here is some food for thought:

·        “So put away all malice and all deceit and all hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”
-I Pet. 2:1, ESV

·         “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”    -Galatians 6:2, NASB

·         “Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.”  
-I Thessalonians 5:11, NASB

·        “But encourage one another day after day as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”    -Hebrews 3:13, NIV

·        “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
-Galatians 6:9, NASB

·        “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. “  -Ephesians 5:1, ESV

·        “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:1-5, ESV)

Lord, help us to spread your love and peace in the place in which we work and NOT the contagion of the world. Show us how to drop our burdens at your feet and pick up yours, which are easy and light. Help us to bear one another’s burdens and encourage each other while bringing you glory and honor.  Help us to be contagious in the right way—a fragrant offering pleasing to you.

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