Why Christians should smile more!

I have been in conferences the past 2 weeks relating to music and church music and I have been inspired and encouraged. But the primary thought that has gone through my head in the past two weeks culminated in a statement made at my conference this week. The statement was "Instead of concerning ourselves with whether or not people like the music we share in worship, why not consider how our music reflects our (congregational) love for God." This was a huge a-ha moment for me! What would our worship look like if it genuinely reflected our love for God? What would be different than our current worship? If there is a difference, why is that? Is it our worship construct? Is it our lack of freedom in expressing our love for God?

 I have been a Lutheran Christian my entire life. One of the things I noticed very early on in life is that we don't smile. It has become a joke for many Lutherans, but it's a sad reality. What would life as a Christian (Lutheran or not) be like if we smiled more? Yes, this world is harsh, filled with challenges, trials, hatred and many other things. But, why don't we smile? Why can't we smile? Think about it. We are winners! Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have victory over death and the devil! SMILE!!!!!! God loves us and provides for us in His own unique, special and perfect way! For a long time, I struggled with trusting God for His provision. While I still have my moments, I have learned that HIS timing is perfect, not mine. So, I SMILE!!!! When I stop and ponder the fact that God loved His creation so much that He sent His Son, Jesus to redeem it, we HAVE to smile! There are so many reasons for us as Christians to smile. So why don't we?

If I had that answer, I'd be a wealthy man. But I don't know. All I can do is look in the mirror. I lose sight of what's important. I get sidetracked and focused on unimportant things. I look around at the world and I start to be of the world as opposed to being in it. My smile disappears. But then, there are those moments that God returns my focus to Him. I do think The Beatles were on to something with "All We Need is Love". All we do truly need is love. God's love for us, which flows out into our love for others. Easier said than done, of course. But when we fix our eyes on God, and try to look at things from His perspective, that love flows through us and out into the world. That is going to be my attempt, and I pray that God works in me and through me to show that love. And the best way to start is by smiling more!