Smile and Push by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1910

Smile and Push

By F. M. W.

Recently in one section of the country there arose a fierce conflict in a community over various questions pertaining to the public welfare. One party took as its motto the words: “Smile and Push.” Acting upon this principle, they waged a vigorous and enthusiastic campaign in behalf of their ideals, resulting in the end in a marked victory. What measure of success was due the excellent motto we can not say. We know this, however, that such a motto will help to win success in the experiences of either a political party or an individual, and it will assist the Christian in his experience in no less degree.

Our attitude toward the world, toward our fellows, and toward all of life's experiences has very much to do with the success achieved. The hopeful, cheerful disciple of the Lord is everywhere welcome. His words of hope and courage fall gratefully upon the ears of those who are despondent and cast down. There are many who seem to feel that religion consists in sighs, moans, and tears. This is not so. The Christian, above all others in the world, should rejoice in his inheritance, in the life that now is, in the prospect of the life that is to come.

Our fellows have no need of the touch of sadness and discouragement. There are longing hearts on every side, hungering for some word of hope. Even in our own churches, and perhaps in our own homes, are those longing for some smile of appreciation. Why not give to-day these omens of good cheer? Why grumble, fret, and complain at those we love, and then seek to solace our sorrow by flower wreaths after they die? A smile to-day will do a thousand times more good than a thousand tear-drops to-morrow. The word of hope and courage and comfort will accomplish a thousandfold more for our fellows while they can hear them and appreciate them, than any extolling of their virtues after they are dead.

Tears have their place in Christian experience. By sorrow of heart many a repentant sinner has found his way back to his Father's house. In humble, contrite confession, many sins have been acknowledged, and wrongs made right. God does not, nor should we, despise the tears or griefs of those around us; but God does not want us constantly weighed down with sorrow or regret. If sins have been committed, let us make these right in the spirit of sincere contrition, and then rejoice in the scepter of forgiveness and peace which is extended to us.

We should not possess a cheerless religion. Many children are turned from the church of God, and from the faith of their fathers, because they see in the professors of that faith so little cheer and joyfulness. A happiness and joy without frivolity, a seriousness without moroseness, this is the spirit which each should seek to cultivate in his life. The apostle exhorts us: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Good religion consists in dealing our bread to the hungry, in becoming messengers of light, and hope, and gladness, in all of our associations with our fellows. There is religion in a good loaf of bread, in a cheery smile, in a hearty hand-shake. The world to-day needs more of those who will smile and push. It needs genial natures, broad-minded, loving, generous hearts, who will overlook the wrongs in others, pass by intended slights, and keep brave and cheery and hopeful in every conflict. It is such men and women as this who will win their fellows to Christ, and who will prove an anchor to the weary storm-tossed souls amid the waves of darkness which are now sweeping over the world. Let us ever remember the motto, “Smile and Push.”

F. M. W.