Things have been difficult for me the last several days but thankfully I am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. No, nothing catastrophic, but definitely challenging. Somehow, I managed to pick up a terrible, full-blown head cold. The sneezing, blowing, coughing, chills, pounding headache and body aches…well you get the picture. As with most colds, the origin can only be speculated. Maybe I touched a surface where the sneaky virus waited. Perhaps I hugged someone or shook hands with a person who may have been contagious. I could have breathed in the virus at the grocery store. Who really knows? Regardless of how I got it is irrelevant. Suffice it to say I have spent hours in my cozy chair with a plentiful supply of Kleenex, hot tea, chicken soup and of course my huge kitty by my side. I am sure she felt entitled to share my blankets and space with me, in case I should need anything.
An interesting thing about the cold virus is that it can actually survive on many indoor surfaces for up to seven days. Determined little bug! And get this. People can be contagious twenty-four hours or longer before they even have cold symptoms. Is it any wonder that the cold virus can spread so easily without knowing how or when one contracts it? The virus is there ready to be shared even though the evidence of its presence is not seen immediately.
When someone has a cold, they are carrying the virus that is ready to be passed on to another person. The cold virus is not discriminatory and will jump from one host to another easily. When someone “shares” a virus, the recipient may not even be aware of it until they too have the uncomfortable cold symptoms.
Another interesting point. As miserable as a cold virus makes you feel, it does serve a purpose. The cold virus can help to strengthen a person’s immune system.
So I got to thinking about this concept and as I did, a little nugget popped into my mind. Those of you have followed my nuggets for some time will not find this to be surprising. Nuggets can be found just about anywhere or at any time!
The scripture verse that came to mind is in 2 Corinthians 2:15. The NLT version says “our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are saved and by those who are perishing.”
Friends, I present to you this question. As Jesus followers, what are we sharing with those around us? Are we living in a way that our Christ-like fragrance makes us contagious for the Kingdom of God? Are we doing what we can to strengthen and build up the spiritual immunity of other people? The fragrance of Christ we carry within us may be irritating to those who are lost but it is not up to us to discriminate who we share God’s love with. And you never know who may catch what you have…the joy and promise of eternal life!
There are people all around us that are not ready to open up a Bible and read the Gospel message. There are those who are not going to walk into a church building and sit through a worship service or a message from the pulpit.
But as a dear pastor I know once said, “Preach the Gospel daily…and if need be, use your words! People are reading you each day!”
That truth impacted me profoundly and has stayed with me for over twenty years!
Friends, my prayer for each of you and for myself is that we will live a Christ contagious life. I pray that every person who crosses our path daily will catch the “Jesus virus” we carry. Christ is the answer. We carry the hope he has placed in us. May we share God’s truth daily, not as much through our words, but in the way we live our lives.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. For questions regarding the use of this blog post, you may send an email to Rosie Williams by clicking here.
This is just precious! This is how we will want to be like a cold virus for sure. hahaha Love ya sister
Thank you, Tammy. Truly though, isn’t God fun! He shows up everywhere ready to bless us with such sweet truths! Love ya too. Thanks for dropping in.
Rosie 🌹
Love the analogy and I love you ♥️ I miss you dearly sweet friend! Blessings for a speedy recovery & a sting immune system that will carry you thru the entire winter ❄️
Hello Lisa. It is always so nice to see you popping in to say hello. Miss you and think of you often dear sister. I receive your blessing for enduring great health this winter and beyond. Hugs!
Rosie,
Your words are so inspiring. Love the nuggets you are providing all of us. Warms my heart to read them and makes me want to be a stronger follower or Christ. I do hope your strong cold is starting to get better — we all know how those viruses can shut us down. Makes very great devotion time on the couch, though! So glad you are part of our community now. We are blessed to have you!
Ashley, I am happy that my nuggets are a blessing and inspiration to you. Thank you for joining the Nuggets family. It has been a joy getting to know you through NLC. You are such a blessing. Love ya!
My dear and precious Rosie. My heart sister, my sister pea. I absolutely love this. I am sitting here on this Sunday morning and it’s exactly what I needed to hear. I saw your notification in my email and immediately popped over to read. I just received a Rosie hug. How I miss those! What you have written here, led by the Holy Spirit, is a wonderful analogy and comparison to something we can mentally grasp as humans. Especially if we have lived more than just a few years! Lol. Thank you for painting the verbal picture and reminding us of this truth. I pray for your earthly container to be completely healed of any nasty virus in Jesus’ name! It won’t last too much longer because how can such a nasty thing survive in an earthly container that holds such a beautiful soul as my Rosie. Love you so very much! Be blessed friend and keep writing! xo
Debbie, my dear dear friend, and sister in Christ! What a treasure you are to me. Your words of encouragement and support mean more than you can know. Thank you again for being such a faithful Nuggets follower. Love you dearly Sister Pea. <3