Exercise May Be Contagious! (Matthew 5:16)

An interesting medical study was just published suggesting that exercise may be contagious! The contagion is not a virus or bacteria passed to others via sweat or dirty towels, but social media. People who exercise and share their results via social media may spread their behavior to others. The study examined running behaviors and found that when someone posts a comment indicating they ran an additional kilometer, it inspired others to run an additional 0.3 km. If one ran for an additional 10 minutes, it inspired others to run an additional 3 minutes longer!

I can definitely relate to the influence of social media. Presently, I use social media sites only for news feeds but in the past, I used to post a great deal. Most of my postings were about food-my latest barbeque or smoking creations, some restaurant I had visited, or an article about a celebrity chef. And not surprisingly, my postings motivated others to visit some of the same restaurants or chefs or attempt to recreate some of my recipes. I was influencing others regardless of my initial intentions. My eating habits were contagious!

Is my Christian faith contagious?

As often as I posted about food on social media, only rarely did I ever post something that dealt directly with my Christian faith. There are many reasons and for many years, I would convince myself of the validity and merit of my excuses. I did not want to offend anyone. I did not want to impose my faith upon others. My opinions on food were less offensive than my opinions on faith and Christianity. While well-intentioned, I could have posted less about food and more about Christian brothers and sisters helping others in this world. I could have posted positive comments about how God has worked in my life.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

My Christian faith is not contagious on social media. I have kept it in a sterile bubble, but no longer. These blogs have allowed me to reach beyond my immediate circle of friends and family. I pray that the light of Jesus Christ may be evident in my life and all believers so that all may glorify God.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.