Real Christians Laugh
Series: Authentic Living in an Artificial World – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Sometimes, the greatest obstacle of Christianity is Christians themselves. We are often perceived to be pessimistic, suspicious, critical, judgmental, cranky, stingy people. People aren’t just standing in line for more of this. How opposite this is from how Jesus described the Christian life. He called it “abundant life”—a more and better life (John 10:10). Such a life is characterized by joy and when the world sees the genuine happiness in the lives of Christ’s followers, they will take notice. They will see what real Christianity is all about.
CHRISTIANITY IS JOYFUL
Joy is one of the descriptions of the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy is good for you. Proverbs 17:22, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. The Bible puts joy in the non-optional category. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Be joyful always. Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice! Joylessness is the most tolerated sin of the church.
GOD IS A HAPPY GOD
Little children are more like God than we are.
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” (C. S. Lewis)
Creation was to mirror his joy Psalm 19:4-5, The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his canopy and like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Laughter is one of the marks of God’s image in us. To miss out on joy is to miss out on the reason for our existence. God wants his joy to be in us (John 15:11)
PRACTICAL STEPS TO JOY (Ways to Laugh More)
1. Stop taking yourself so seriously.
Nehemiah 8:9-10, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
2. Start today.
Psalm 118:24, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
3. Hang around happy people.
Proverbs 15:13, Smiling faces make us feel happy.
4. Simplify your life in order to enjoy God’s goodness
Luke 10:41, You are too worried about too many things.
5. Get a biblical perspective on life.
2 Corinthians 4:18, So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. There is only one real catch to all this. It is impossible unless you’ve invited the King of Joy to come into your life! Have you done that?
