OK before anyone becomes upset with me, just read that statement a couple of more times. Need some help? Well, the other dwarfs were Doc, Sneezy, Dopey, etc. Remember the story of Snow White?

I wonder if it’s also true that one in seven Christians are happy? Now I mean happy in the sense of contented, pleasant to be around, with a smile on the face and a warm greeting on their lips. That kind of happy.

I am aware that people face heartbreak and difficulties. If you lost a loved one, or your job, or your health, I understand how you might not be entirely happy on this particular day.

But should a Christian’s life be characterized by unhappiness?

I’m sorry, I don’t understand how a Christian can come to worship, sit on the back pew, arms folded in defiance as if to say, “I’m mad at everyone! Just try to make me sing! Why is this church not serving my every whim?”

Recall that one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace …”

(Galatians 5:22, ESV). Recall that the Lord promised he would give us “life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Recall that Paul commanded, yes, commanded us to “rejoice in the Lord,” then repeated himself: “Again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Happiness is not what happens to you; it’s who you are.

Recall that Paul’s statement is: “Rejoice in the Lord.”

Your relationship with God is the key to your happiness.

After all, there is another dwarf (if you remember the story). His name was Grumpy. Don’t be Grumpy, Christian. Be happy.

— by Stan Michell