Germophobic people are fearful of germs. They carry hand sanitizer, wash everything over and over, use all kinds of chemicals to sterilize surfaces and don't sit down on a public toilet. Am I right? Germophobic people tend to be the ones who refuse to go places for fear of getting sick without any indication that others are sick. That is unless it's the doctor's office. So out come the masks and the mandatory sitting away from all those "other sick people". The bad news is germs are everywhere. You can wipe down that shopping cart, use gloves or tissue to flush the toilet, and you can do everything you want to keep from coming into contact with those terrible germs. But, you can't avoid them. This is an intriguing picture. A more intriguing picture if you can think of the Christian avoiding people because they have germs. That is what seems to be happening though. We, like the religious authorities of the past have separated themselves from the "unclean" for fear of having to have contact with them. Jesus introduced a different thought and action. He lived amongst sinners, ate with them, healed them by touching the untouchables, and much more. As a result he was real with people. Let's see, you can be like Jesus or the religious authorities. You can be like Jesus or the various groups that won't have anything to with other groups. You can be like Jesus or talk about how that church down the road is wrong because they don't follow your perverted sense of what the Gospel says. Maybe today you are a germophobic Christian.
Ever been there physically, mentally and spiritually while someone was dying? Have you ever soiled your hands, clothing and possessions while taking care of the ill? Maybe you don't want to have babies because you don't want to change the same diapers that someone changed on you. It's an awkward situation when we encounter someone or something that is dirty, unclean, and there is a chance you might be as well. Have you ever held a small child with a fever? Maybe you cried with your son or daughter as they breathed their last breath. Could be that there may have been a million places you'd rather have been than that horrible emotional, physical and spiritual moment when you were getting your hands dirty. Christians who are germophobic spiritually don't want to be there, don't want to think about being there and consequently don't go there no matter who is in need of Jesus. Part of the cost of following Jesus is touching others. Whether you touch someone physically with food or healing; Christian don't be a germophobic being. Whether you are called to share the gospel with someone who needs you to sit with them on a curb in the alley, Christian, don't be a germophobic Christian. You may be called to donate, food, shelter, transportation and many other things in Jesus' name. Don't be found lacking because you didn't want to get your hands dirty.
I'm glad that Jesus wasn't a germophobic Savior. If he was you and I might not be saved today. Jesus got dirty and was made dirty for us so that we could be clean. Not just clean but able to go and get dirty with someone in order to bring Jesus to them. You may think going to church or home group is being Jesus to others. Fellow Christians don't need fellow Christians. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He told the religious authorities he was willing to get dirty in order that some might be saved. Are you willing to go wherever, do whatever, and risk whatever to bring the Gospel to others? There is no reason to fear going to the lost. There is no reason to pretend it's someone else's job. There is no reason to believe anyone will get there by osmosis. When you come before the Lord (ACTS) and allow Him to search your hearts, minds and souls remember that Jesus wasn't a germophobic God. Don't be a germophobic Christian.
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