If you’re grumpy and you know it clap your hands.
I know, those aren’t the words but I’ve known a handful of people who would have added a double clap at the end of that line even on a Sunday morning.
Sure, it’s possible that I could misunderstand a grumpy looking face, but I’ve always wondered why I occasionally see certain people always looking unhappy.
There are obviously going to be times in our lives where we just aren’t happy.
Sadness, hurt, pain, and anger are all part of a normal emotional cycle in life, but is it possible for someone who is a follower of Christ to be unhappy most, or all of the time?
Let’s consider the following verses:
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
If we are true followers of Christ, though we may experience anger or sadness, our emotions can’t be fixed on a state of unhappiness. Eventually, the attitudes of our hearts and minds are going to change simply because we are in Christ.
If we are clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience a spirit of peace and joy will eventually shine through.
If we are patient with one another and forgive everyone when they sin against us, we won’t be so fixated on being angry or unhappy, but once again, God’s peace will dwell in us.
If we “put on love” we bind ourselves together with other believers in perfect unity. This unity in and of itself will bring contentment and joy.
Paul continues by encouraging us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to be thankful (v. 15). We are to let the message of Christ dwell richly in us and admonish each other with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude (v. 16). Lastly, no matter what we say or what we do, we are to do it in the name of our Lord Jesus (v. 17). All of these attitudes of the mind and spirit lead to joy, happiness, and contentment in life.
Therefore, allow me to ask again. Is it possible to be a follower of Christ and constantly be unhappy? My conclusion is simply, “no.”
So, if you’re happy and you know it…..CLAP YOUR HANDS!