Joy: The Necessary Choice for Effectiveness

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Have you heard the saying, “If Bob has a problem with everyone, Bob is usually the problem”? Bob has a tendency to exude irritability, negative thinking, a legalistic spirit, and an abrasive personality? And to top it off, he speaks openly about his active role as a Christian.

What impact does a person like this really have on the world around him? Do others feel drawn to him? What effectiveness does a Christian honestly produce without radiating joy?

Maybe you & I declare innocence when comparing ourselves to Bob, but can we truly make that spot-free claim? Situations arise when the continual act of choosing joy stretches us beyond the point of where we should have already grown personally. If you lack control in your attitude, then your circumstances will control how you react.

True joy can never originate from external factors, but can only develop internally out of sincere gratitude for the mercy God has shown you through the sacrifice that His son made on your behalf.

So choose to emit joy, my friends. Tell your heart to alert your face of what God’s unending mercy has done inside of you & then smile in appreciation! Let nothing less than love & thankfulness leave your lips! Watch what happens to those around you when you apply this passage to your life.

Kyle Weber