p. 3 | Christian Peace and Joy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1916

Christian Peace and Joy

PEACE and joy are the fruits of Christian experience. Surely the one who knows that his sins are forgiven, that his name is written in heaven, and that in Christ Jesus he possesses an eternal inheritance, has a right to be happy and joyful. Unlike the peace which the world gives, his peace of mind and joy of heart are not dependent upon favoring material conditions. He is able to rejoice even in sorrow and tribulation, knowing through faith that “all things work together for good to them that love God.”

THE joy of the Christian stands apart from levity and foolishness. It does not descend to the level of cheap witticism or unseemly jollity. It stops short of these, even as sobriety and seriousness stop short of moroseness. It holds itself within the bounds of wise propriety. It maintains a dignity free from cold reserve on the one hand, and cheap commonplaceness on the other. Hope and cheerfulness, gentleness and kindness, forgetfulness of self and regard for others’ welfare, patience under trial, trust in tribulation, resignation in sorrow,—these are the true expressions of the peace and joy which the Holy Spirit imparts to the believer.

AFTER all, words and actions are the truest indications of the condition of the mind and the state of the soul. One’s profession is judged by the fruit which that profession produces in the life. If Christ dwells in the heart, it will be witnessed in the words, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” By our words we shall be justified, and by our words we shall be condemned. In view of this, how necessary that when we speak we should speak as God’s oracle, that when we minister we should do it as of the ability which he giveth. By our deportment our fellows will judge the character of the heavenly government, of which we are ambassadors. Recognizing this relationship, we should seek to deport ourselves as becometh our high calling in order that our fellows may be won to render allegiance to the heavenly King.

WE cannot conceive of our Great Example engaging in foolish jesting and joking. We think of him as brave and courageous in danger, as hopeful and cheerful amid difficulties, as kind and tender in his compassion, as untiring in his ministry of love, affectionate as a friend, considerate of others’ weaknesses; but that he was careless in speech or given to levity is utterly unthinkable. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” Christ’s followers should be like him. Indeed, it is their likeness to the divine Pattern which constitutes them the children of the Highest. Says the inspired apostle: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Our citizenship is in heaven. Let us be careful to order our lives in harmony with the spirit and principles of the heavenly country we represent.