Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit» (Romans 14: 16, 17).
DENNIS PRAGER, AN AUTHOR AND RADIO PRESENTER, says that after giving a lecture on happiness, a woman stood up to say how sorry she was that her husband had not been there that day (he had chosen to attend a business lecture). According to her, he was the one who most needed to hear the speaker’s advice. Then she added that, even though she loved her husband, it was not easy for her to be married to such an unhappy man.
What would you have told her? Prager basically told her that her husband should have attended the lecture and also that he had a moral obligation toward her to be as cheerful and happy as he could be as a husband.
Does a married person have a moral obligation toward their spouse to be a happy person? It is debatable, but Prager points out three reasons why, in his opinion, happiness is a moral obligation.
The first reason, he says, is that we should radiate joy and happiness, not only toward our spouse, but also toward everyone who comes into contact with us. That does not mean, of course, that there will not be times when we might feel sad. The point is: Who wants to be next to a person who always sees the dark side?
The second reason is that there is a direct relationship between happiness and kindness. In other words, it is generally more likely that a person will be kinder, more helpful and altruistic when they experience feelings of joy than when they are sad.
Thirdly, Prager says, unhappy religious people are not good representatives of their faith. If their faith is true, he asks, why don’t they radiate happiness?
That made me think. As Christians, in view of the world that is watching us, are you and I good representatives of our Lord’s life? And we already know how His life was! Although Jesus constantly had to face hardships, «His countenance did not wear an expression of grief and repining.» On the contrary, «His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness. «—Steps to Christ, ch. 13, p. 120.
What a challenge! Call it a «moral obligation,» or whatever you want, but remember we are Christ’s representatives. Therefore, wherever we go, lets radiate «rest and peace, joy and gladness,» beginning today! «For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.»
Heavenly Father, please make me fit to represent my Savior properly.
May the Holy Spirit’s righteousness, peace, and joy fill my heart today.
#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators:Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
