Happy Faces

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face." (Matt. 6: 16,17 KJV)

Though Christians are not to attempt to conceal their griefs and mental sufferings, which are often very heavy, and though they often have reason to be downcast, yet they are not to "gloat" in their sufferings nor take "pride" in them, as did the hypocrites.

It is impossible to fully keep our "faces" from showing our griefs, yet Christians ought to be careful not to give the appearance of being an inordinantly depressed and sad people.

When a caring person sees another with their "countenances fallen," as was Cain's, we may ask them, as did God to Cain, "why is your countenance fallen?"

We ought to try to "wear a smile each day" as Christians. We are not to boast of our sufferings, saying to others, thereby, "hey, look at me!"

We Christians are described as being a people who "...worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Phil. 3:3)

We "rejoice evermore." (I Thess. 5:16) We have great reason to rejoice. Of that fact every true Christian may become fully assured.

Jesus, with all his burdens and cares, did not go around with a sad and disfigured face, broadcasting his woes, as did the hypocrites. Such is what Paul called a "false humility." It was not humility at all, but pride, though it was masked and cloked to appear otherwise.

It should be our concern "how we appear to men," yet our concern, in that regard, as Christians, is different from that of the hypocrites.

How Christians reveal themselves to each other, as members of the "family of God," in private confessions and discussions, is altogether different than how they would appear in public, to the world of unbelievers.

We don't call attention to our sufferings, as Christians, but to the sufferings of Christ, and to the reasons why we can rejoice even in the greatest of sufferings.

To do as the hypocrites, and put on an air of self pity, is a form of murmurring and complaining, though done more non-verbally. We communicate to others with the expressions on our faces as well as the words that come out of our mouths.

If we keep the above verses of scripture always in mind, as Christians, we will truly be able to "count it all joy even when we fall into various trials." (James 1:2)

Pay day is both here for us now, for we receive, as Christ said, "manifold more in this present life," but pay day is in a far greater way yet future, to be fully realized "at the resurrection of the just." (See Matt. 19:27-29; Luke 14:13-15; 18:30)

It will be worth it all! That is what Christ is saying to all his faithful followers! You will receive good things now but "the best is yet to come." You have a good taste now, but the full course meal, the banquet, is yet future!

Christian, are you "rejoicing in Christ Jesus" as you should? If not, is it because you need improved spiritual vision to see all the blessings of God now upon you? Pray that you may be shown how blessed and rich you are even now! Father, help us!