Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

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GODLY LAUGHTER

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22.

No one on earth should be more happy, peaceable, or filled with

anticipation for the future than a born-again, dedicated, New Testament church member. Such folks are being transformed through the Word, by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12). Their insight simply passes all understanding. Yet, some suffer the same stereotyped profile as the typical minister (whatever typical is). Of course, this comes from the world’s religions that are steeped in stoicism. Hence, many think a good Christian or Minister should be indifferent to pain or pleasure; not given to humor; project a demeanor to the general public that he/she were weaned on a dill pickle, and maintain a composure that would not change even if kicked in the back of the lap. Well, if this were the criteria for identifying ministers of the Lord, this writer would not be given a second glance. He considers it a compliment to hear the pleasant description: “You do not act like a preacher.” Well, Amen!

Christians should not be so recognized by the clothing they wear; by a stoic attitude and composure, or by a humorless mindset. True Christianity produces great happiness and joy. To illustrate, I was walking down the sidewalk in town one day when out of a door, and almost on top of me came the CEO of an electric company. I was whistling, as I often do. He jumped back and said, “Well my, my! Aren’t we happy today!? I quickly retorted, “Oh, yes, you see, I was a poor lost sinner on the road to hell, but Jesus saved me. Now God is my Father, heaven is my home, and I am just passing through a few years here. I want you to have what I’ve got, so you can be this happy, too!” He quickly replied, “Thanks, but I am in a hurry, I have to go!”

A backslidden Christian is miserable. But, there is something contagious, attractive, and good about a happy Christian. Solomon, in Proverbs 17:22 said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

God’s people should be more serious than cancer when it comes to receiving and standing for the precious Word. But, if there was ever any doubt as to whether God has a sense of humor, one should just stand back and look at all He made. It will bring smiles! Laugh heartily and often because that is the kind of Christian merriment God gives.

FOR THOUGHT: Are you a happy person, given to laughter? If not, why not? There is nothing more serious than spiritual matters that affect the

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