I spoke at our church's youth service last night. I was standing in for our youth leader and followed his itinerary. This meant I had the honour of speaking on Evangelism.
The available material was great - a devotional that is used regularly for that service. I threw in my two cents from experiences as a bible college student and missionary and some exhortations including the topic of this post.
One thing I wanted to impress upon the kids was that being salt and light was not conditional. In other words, our mood and our circumstances should not have preeminence over the joy of our salvation. Christ in us should show on our faces and how we manage our place in community.
I remember when at bible college, I worked on the breakfast crew. We had to be in the kitchen early - 5:30 if I remember correctly. Breakfast started at 7:00. I was disappointed in how many people set aside Christ and were grumpy with their barbs out pricking anyone that came into their path. Jesus was not Lord over their mornings.
Some people are not morning people - a cop out. Some people are not in a good mood today - rebellion. My soulish living is greater than my willingness to "be joyful always." - 1 Thess. 5:16
My encouragement was to submit our whole selves to Christ all of the time and that in the natural course of things we would become attractive to everyone around us and a blessing that would beg the question, "what is up with you?".
3 comments:
Are you advocating a "Fake it until you make it" kind of method, or something else? I find it would be rather difficult to flip a switch to be happy at a moments notice, and I'm a generally very happy person. This seems an oversimplification as you've presented it. I'm sure there is more to your idea here and I'm just not understanding. Can you elaborate?
Thanks,
Tristan
http://www.TristanHavelick.com/
Hi Tristan,
You are right. There is more to it.
I know there are some plastic people who fake their happiness, possibly suppressing real hurt.
What should be expressed is genuine joy that surpasses circumstance. There is a difference between joy and happiness.
For your reference, take a look at James chapter 1, and Hebrews 12, especially the first few verses of each.
With your permission, I think I'll use the phrase, "Fake it until you make it".
Thank you for painting a clearer picture. If I understand you correctly, you might define "joy" as the lifting of a burden one feels when he accepts the things that may not necessarily make him happy.
As for using the phrase, "Fake it 'till you make it" - I certainly didn't coin this phrase, nor do I claim any copyright to my blog comments. So use it to your heart's content
All the best,
Tristan
http://www.TristanHavelick.com
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