Happiness on Trial

There are too many Christians who focus on one aspect of Christianity and forget many others. They are excited to discuss the End Times, but don't give a thought to how they talk down to the waiters when they go out eat. There are Christians who love discussing C.S. Lewis's writings, but they think they don't need to service in their local church. There are Christians who are critical of any time a church asks them for money, but they walk by a homeless person asking for change. I have heard people criticize the encouraging style of the sermons of some speakers. The critics insist on calling them motivational speakers rather than preachers. I can't help but wonder what they think it means to be a Christian. The Bible says those who promote peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20). If you as a Christian walk around with a scowl on your face, there is something missing in your connection to the Lord and you do not reflect Him well.

Feelings and emotions do not drive us, but they are a part of life. If you don't exude joy and peace, then you will have trouble in your prayer life. The joy of the Lord is your strength against the tactics of the enemy (Nehemiah 8:10). Faith is necessary to please God (Hebrews 11:6), but if you don't have love your faith will do nothing (Galatians 5:6). Unforgiveness and unconfessed sin create a wall between you and God (Psalm 66:18). It is important that we as Christians build each other up in the body of Christ (Jude 1:20).

The helmet of salvation spiritually covers our head which manages our thoughts. Salvation is more than going to Heaven. Salvation deals with our lives here on Earth. We are experiencing our salvation when we are not worried, angry, offended, anxious, hopeless, depressed, unfocused, apathetic, hurt, or in despair.

The breastplate of righteous covers our heart therefore protecting us for loss of self-esteem and hurt feelings (Ephesians 6:14). Our righteousness is of the Lord. There is nothing we can do to qualify for it. God has decided to just give it to those who believe in Him. That should put us at rest knowing we automatically have righteousness. We don't have to drive ourselves crazy trying to earn and manage it. The breastplate of righteousness is there to protect our hearts from the fiery darts of the devil. We will not lose our faith in our spiritual standing if we are not discouraged by the devil's suggestions. He suggests terrible lies to us through circumstances, the word of others as well our own thoughts. The devil tells us we are not good enough, we are not likeable or loveable, we can't do anything right, it is always our fault, we will always have the same problems in life, we should only expect the worst out of life, there is no hope for our lives, everyone else is blessed and we are not, and the best years are behind us. Remembering you have right standing with God the Father prevents any terrible suggestion's ability to impact you. How could an accusation impact one who is made blameless through the blood of Jesus?

Your feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:14). This means that at a moment's notice, we are able to go to others and tell them the Gospel (the good news), thus unleashing the peace of God. Peace is a powerful tool that eases not only us, but entire situations (Proverbs 3:2, Romans 12:18).

I could not have this discussion and leave out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control safeguard our lives as Christians. Believe it or not, but these are powerful tools against satanic attacks. Each fruit of the Spirit keeps us in line with the character of God Himself. When we stay within the character of God, the enemy has no ability to attack us. Staying within the character of God keeps us off the devil's territory. The devil specifically targets our emotions because he knows just how much they govern the reactions of a Christian that has let their guard down.

Despite what many angry and vocal Christinas will say, I know that flourishing in positive emotions is the building block of a bullet-proof Christian. A strong Christian is one who is abounding in hope, love, joy in their circumstances and has enough to give to others.