A joyous person is good to be around. Conversely, a down-in-the-mouth, morose person is hard to be around, at least for any length of time.
True Christianity should be a daily, joyful experience and yet there are some people think Christianity is best represented by a solemn, smileless face.
The Scripture admonishes us in Philippians 2:12 to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Our attitude towards temptation, sin, and the world, the flesh, and the devil should always be met with fear and trembling lest we grieve the Spirit of God and hinder His blessing in our lives.
However, we should also understand that the salvation we are working out is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14;17). Therefore we ask: is it possible to be serious and joyful at the same time? I believe it is.
We should always be on guard that we do not equate true Christian joy with foolishness and foolish jesting. We must be serious about that. Our freedom in Christ must always be guarded so we do not allow freedom to become an occasion for the flesh (Galatians 5:13).
Legalism leads to bondage and joylessness. Freedom leads to peace and joy.
He whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Joy leads to a bright, shining face and this leads to spiritual joy and holiness, and this leads to worship and praises.
It is a challenging thought that there are many in the world who “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” type of people. They often have more joy than a lot of Christians. This is not a good advertisement for Jesus Christ is the One who has been anointed with the “OIL OF GLADNESS above his fellows” (Hebrews 1:9).
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that you JOY MIGHT BE FULL” (John 15:11).
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your JOY MAY BE FULL.” John 16:24
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell