In some Lands where I’ve traveled.. where less than one percent of the entire population are born again spiritually ..I’ve heard some American missionaries get accused of smiling too much—you know, not being real the locals would assume. Several cultures are like that. It’s just not seen hardly at all in some locations. Not wrong, just different.
I've also seen some ministers look angry at the world in my own and in far away cultures. Cuz of the Cross God ain't angry. He still hates sin that destroys people, but loves all sinners. So what's better, serious face or not so serious? I'll let the Lord guide you on how to tactfully be and how not to be.. where He leads you to witness for Christ. He can help us be effective and fruitful no matter where we are.
Do you live in a joyless country, church, workplace, or family ..for the most part? Sorry 'bout that. I know who can fix that. Sometimes it's pretty hard not to smile or laugh after and while you pray in faith, and worship God, and share His Gospel for decisions. Sure, it's hard not to when you daily have God's huge JOY wellin' up inside of you. And you know He pours it in for a purpose. Everything He does is for a good purpose. Ya wanna go tell someone!
“To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” ~ Paul, (See the whole context of 1 Corinthians 9:22)
Well, it's important to adapt while entering a different culture to win people, as the Apostle Paul did. It's good to be culturally sensitive and relevant, but here are five reasons why in any Land, you should be prayerfully authentic and “Smile more as a leader." Check it out, a good article from my wisely tweeting friend, @MichaelHyatt.
Dear Father, Every hour we need You. Thank you for Your joy, for Your Church, and for authentic koinonia fellowship with Your believers globally.
God personally, I think all your Family members need to laugh, smile and express joy more often. Help us appropiate all that You have for us. We also need Your wisdom so that we (I for one..) don't rate high on our hearer's irritation scale in any locale. Don't want to rate on it at all really. Just want to impart what You want, and get Your Message through. Live through us. What a blessing to have real friends in your Family. Do want to see Your Church grow today. Please make each of us a real blessing to Your Church and to the pastors we meet as well. We are so grateful for the ones who are alive, spiritual, balanced and working hard. Please wake up, directly minister to, comfort, fully equip, biblically revive, direct, exhort, challenge, and use Your Church. Yes, make your local churches blessings in their respective communities as well..to the glory of Jesus Christ. Help us properly represent You and Your holy character ..with JOY and even a smile in this dark world that's lacking both ..sure, while we have opportunity to, Lord. Amen.
God personally, I think all your Family members need to laugh, smile and express joy more often. Help us appropiate all that You have for us. We also need Your wisdom so that we (I for one..) don't rate high on our hearer's irritation scale in any locale. Don't want to rate on it at all really. Just want to impart what You want, and get Your Message through. Live through us. What a blessing to have real friends in your Family. Do want to see Your Church grow today. Please make each of us a real blessing to Your Church and to the pastors we meet as well. We are so grateful for the ones who are alive, spiritual, balanced and working hard. Please wake up, directly minister to, comfort, fully equip, biblically revive, direct, exhort, challenge, and use Your Church. Yes, make your local churches blessings in their respective communities as well..to the glory of Jesus Christ. Help us properly represent You and Your holy character ..with JOY and even a smile in this dark world that's lacking both ..sure, while we have opportunity to, Lord. Amen.
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.” ~ Daniel 9:17
