Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Maylan Schurch
Friday, June 2, 2023
I think it was at an antique shop in mid-May where I spotted these three familiar monkeys, with a fourth added as a joke. Sadly, the final monkey’s punchline, coupled with his glum face, are accepted as truth by a lot of people.
One reason might be that Christians sometimes don’t behave as though their faith makes them very happy. And sometimes this is because they aren’t always certain of their salvation, or that their sins have been forgiven.
But the happy, genuinely-smiling Christian can change lives. I know from personal experience, growing up among Christians of a different denomination than my parents were raised in, that Christians who can grin instantly, tell family-friendly jokes, and laugh heartily are powerfully attractive.
And who understands real joy better than the One who created us with the capacity to feel it and show it? The longer I’ve been a Christian, the more deeply I believe the following verse:
You [God] will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)