In a recent email, the following words were shared. It made me wonder, do I agree, do I see or do this? We should not race to judge others but we should always look at ourselves and to challenge ourselves to be better. Is it better to be a role model, an encourager or someone who finds fault in others? I'd rather encourage others so I hope you will join me in pondering the following and pursuing those actions that I believe God is placing on us all. Here goes.
Do we see any of this in us (Christians)? Do our actions help to make the gospel unattractive - or that Christians are sour, angry, negative or worse? Some people live right but they always look like they have spent the night in a bottle of lemon juice.
If anyone struggles in this area, they should know that our salvation should be the source of great joy, and that joy and happiness should be expressed in our life in a dynamic way. For example, Jesus said "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). From James 1:2 "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials."
Joy is one of the hallmarks of the Kingdom of God. Even when we are going through a rough patch, the Bible says we are to be full of joy (and yes, easier said then done). Joy makes the gospel attractive. If we put on a sour face all the time and have a negative disposition, we will scare people away from church. So remember that people are watching us, that our words and actions either help the church or can hurt the church. Thank you for considering the above and let us know of any comments or recommendations.