I am preparing for a ladies day talk on "The Joy of Being a Christian". As I am doing my research, I am finding so many reasons why we should have joy, but in my day to day life, I am seeing few people who do have that joy!
How can I show that joy? Let me offer just a few suggestions. First of all, smile. Smile at everyone you see - the neighbors, the grocery store clerks, your coworkers, but especially your fellow Christians. Smile as you are walking into the church building, smile when you are singing, smile as you shake hands with your preacher and elders. Better yet, give them a hug and a smile. Second, guard your speech. Don't dwell on the negatives of life, and there are many. Most of us have heard "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" however, the majority of us don't follow through with that statement. Finally, focus on others. There is much joy in focusing on the lives of others instead of dwelling on self. Selfish people are never content and are inable to show joy.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of ways to show joy. In fact, it is difficult to show joy unless you have joy in your life and the only way to have true joy in your life is by being in Christ.
How do you show the joy that is in you?
In the New Testament, the word "joy" or some form of it is mentioned 70 times in 66 verses. We have plenty of encouragement to understand the concept and follow the Good Shepherd in his joy.
ReplyDelete