One would think that an oxymoron such as “Miserable Christian” could not exist. After all, it is Christ Who illuminates the heart and live of those who belong to Him, by the Spirit. The Word tells that “the Spirit bears witness with our spirit,” that “He is in us, and together, we are in God,” and “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” So how is it possible that there are miserable Christians?
Back in 2005, my family and I took a long weekend road journey to Nashville, TN. On the way there, as we were heading SW from the Valley of Virginia to Nashville, I remember passing a R.V. As I looked over at it – I saw a rather large sticker on its rear. Not just your normal bumper sticker, much larger and much more costly for sure. It was metallic with a matted type finish. On that sticker, in LARGE letters that were clearly visibile it said: “If Christ is in your heart, make sure you tell your face.”
That has stuck with me for nearly 6 years now. I like it. I have seen it since – most recently, at Wal-Mart in Morehead City a few weeks ago. But I must say, it wasn’t as eye-capturing as the one on the highway that day. Now for me, I believe one of the reasons I like it so much is because of my history in a church many years ago – where a smile, a warm greeting and word, or a hug – was a rare commodity. I remember thinking, as a young teenage boy, “Why would I want to know Jesus – if the people seem so miserable?” Somehow, in some churches, being a Christian equates to no fun and more rules. Let us do our part in breaking down that wall.
Why am I writing all of this? Good question. This time, I am not really sure why. It came to my heart today as I laid on the couch with a fever of 103. I suppose this is a Blog, and when you Blog, you just share in a transparent manner. At the same time – I think this is deeper than surface level stuff. I think it brings up a very straightforward reminder as we love Jesus, serve Him and others, and share Him with the world: We are to be joyful. We are to be light and shine. We are to continually trust Him and know that He really does have our best interests at heart.
Lord Jesus, help me and help us all to follow you joyfully, even in the difficulties and trials of life. Guide our paths, direct our steps, and light our way – that it would bring You glory. By the power of Your Spirit, Who lives in us, be satisfied and magnified not simply by our words, but also by our actions. We love You Jesus, and we boldly proclaim that we want nothing to do with miserable Christianity. In Your Name we ask it. Amen.
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