Concepts: Contagion

The word “contagion” comes from a Latin word “contagio.” It means “a touching.” A transliteration of “contagio” into English would be “contact.” “Contagion” is the spreading of disease by contact from person to person.  The absence of sufficient social distancing can lead to contagion.

There has been much debate about the level of contagion of COVID-19 by asymptomatic patients.  How high is the threat of “catching” COVID-19 from a person who has no outward symptoms such as fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing? This is a discussion for medical experts.  We are better off being safe, not sorry.  Caution would be the better path for all of us.

But I can assure you with all Biblical authority that asymptomatic believers are not very contagious when it comes to Christianity.  Most of us would agree that Christianity is more “caught” than “taught.” Discipleship is one Christian replicating in the life of another believer Christian practices and principles.  If a professing believer has no symptoms—no outward manifestation of Christianity—he will influence very few, if any, to become a Christ follower.

Any analogy breaks down at some point.  Christianity is not a disease but should be contagious.  I use the words “Christian” and “believer” very carefully.  To say “asymptomatic Christian” is not only an oxymoron, it is an outright contradiction.  All Christians are believers, but all believers are not living a Christ-like life.  There are carnal believers who are under chastisement, but not “carnal Christians.” If one’s walk and talk show no symptoms—evidence of Christianity—they will not be contagious for unbelievers.

 Another discussion better left to medical authorities is how contagious are infants and young children who have COVID-19.  I do know that young Christians are very contagious in winning family members, friends, and associates.  When someone gets saved, they usually are very, very excited about the joy and peace they experience.  The Philippian jailor carried Paul and Silas home with him, and his whole family believed.  During those early days, the new believer, the babe in Christ, is eager to get baptized and to tell everyone what has happened in their life.

The sad truth is that “mature” believers often calm the new believer down when they should be encouraging new believers. Too often, new believers “settle down” and become just like rank and file believers. New believers are great ambassadors for the cause of Christ.  They are contagious.

Whether you’ve been saved recently or saved for years, you should live out your faith.  Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

We need to be more than professing believers. We need to be possessing Christians—with a Christ-like walk and talk.  We need to be missionary minded. How contagious are you? How contagious is your Christianity?

Digby is executive director-treasurer of the Christian Action Commission. He can be reached at (601) 292-3329/office, (662) 284-9163/cell, or by e-mail at kdigby@christianaction.com.