What Should a Christian Do While On This Earth?

As Christians, we should desire to be Christ-like, but what does that mean we should be doing while we are on earth?  In the New Testament, there are over 800 commands that tell us what we should be doing.  I hear what you are thinking, and your thoughts are likely that there is no way that you can do that.  You are right, you can’t, but through Christ, He will show you how it is possible to be more like Him.  So instead of saying it is impossible, go on the journey and examine these commands and evaluate if they are already a part of your life or if they are something you have forgotten and need to apply to your life.  As we go through this blog, we will look at many of these commands, some of which are easier than others.  Those that are more difficult, we will need help achieving in Christ.  With each opportunity, we should desire to improve our walk with Christ and strengthen our faith and testimony to others.  Let’s look at what the Scriptures say about what a Christian should “BE.”   

Matthew 5:12  BE EXCEEDING GLAD

When you are looking for someone to communicate with, do you look for someone who is in a good mood or someone who is always in a bad mood?  If we are honest, we will gravitate toward someone in a good mood.  It’s when we see this person who is typically happy become sad that we ask what is going on to help strengthen them and encourage them through an event that has changed their nature.  As we see in the Sermon on the Mount, this key passage says, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (NKJV).  As we look at this verse in detail, we are reminded of several key reminders about our life in Christ.  The first is that we can be happy because we have an eternal reward in Heaven, as this time on earth will be short compared to our lives in Heaven.  The second is that many people have gone before us and have also been persecuted.  Looking at the Scriptures, we will see how they handled the adversity and possibly even learn from their mistakes and become better in our times of despair.   

GLAD: Giving Laughter Around Deliberately

GIVING

When you think about being glad, you often look at the aspect of giving.  You are glad because of the provisions that Christ has given you.  You are glad because you have friends that you can rely on in a time of need.  You are also glad because Christ voluntarily paid your sin debt at the cross so that you can have salvation and restored fellowship with our God and Creator.  Finally, you are happy because you rest in that promise that Christ will never leave nor forsake us.  So when we are in times of despair, it is then that we rely on Christ and those of like-faith to help us in our times of need. Then, as a result, we are happy that, because of Christ’s promise, we can conquer the temptations of this world.  At the same time, when we fall, Christ’s hand is never out of reach in that spirit of forgiveness, and we are restored to the fellowship we previously had.  We are in good spirits because we have faith and trust in Christ that His forgiveness and restoration will always be available. 

I reflect on a time when there was a need that no one knew about and was an unexpected expense.  As my wife and I prayed about the need and how we would be able to afford it, we received a phone call from a friend who wanted to visit us.  They came over and said that God had told them we had a need, and then that they could provide us with the funds necessary to cover that expense.  Many believers can share a similar story about a time when God answered a need by giving them the resources to accomplish what was needed.  God’s continual answers to our prayers should allow us to be in a rejoicing and glad spirit as we go through our lives.  As we show this attitude or outlook to those around us in times of need, they will ask how we are joyful. Then seeds can be planted, or, possibly, encouragement can be given, so they too can have a glad heart. 

LAUGHTER

Few sounds can be heard that can change the surroundings of those you are with.  Laughter is one of the most positive sounds that can change the hearts of those around them.  While there are times that this is used negatively, we should always make sure that it is used for the positive.  Instead of spreading laughter to tear someone down, we should be sure to laugh with the intention of spreading joy.  Joy indicates the condition of our souls, while mere happiness is a superficial, fleeting emotion.  When looking at laughter, the Scriptures remind us in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”  It is key for us to understand that just as the medicine we might receive for an illness of the body, laughter is the medicine that is needed for our emotional health that will help us in our daily battles.  The other thing about laughter is, many times, it is contagious and will spread quickly.  If you are in a group of individuals and someone starts laughing, it will be difficult not to join.  So when it comes to our merry hearts, laughter is essential to spreading the good around to others.  This brings us to our next part of GLAD: “around.” 

AROUND

When you are around people, the spirit of happiness and laughter will create an enjoyable atmosphere for the gathering.  In many cases, the person laughing is sharing with those around them, which often leads to additional laughter, creating an environment that will allow for great discussions and the desire to remain together.  On the other hand, if someone spreads hatred, it can defeat the environment, and then the countenance of those present falls, and the time is less enjoyable. Therefore, being a happy person and providing encouragement to those around you will be the testimony that is honoring to Christ and will allow for opportunities to either encourage or even plant a potential seed, as the person realizes that you have something they wish they had.  

What you spread around depends on three specific things. First, what is it you are spreading around? Is it the things of the world, or is it the things of Christ?  The second is the circle of influence you have at this moment in time.  Do you have only just a few people that you interact with, or are you looking for new people to add to your circle? Then you could potentially be spreading the words of Christ to many people with the third part of “around,” which is how much time you are devoting to the things of God.  The choice is always personal and individual.  Only you will give an account of what you do on this earth.  Hopefully, we are making a positive influence around us for the cause of Christ and will receive the words of blessing “Well done” when we are called home.  This brings us to our final point, and that is “deliberate.”

DELIBERATELY

Laughter is something that is deliberately done.  When you are laughing, it is an emotion you publicly share with those around you.  Laughter is something that, when expressed, shows your happiness in the situation you are experiencing, the thoughts that are being shared in a positive situation, or something so extraordinary that laughter is the only emotion possible.  What we should be most concerned with is that when we are laughing, it is truly in a positive rejoicing of what is done and not the misfortune of others.  Too often, laughter at the calamity of others is a destruction that is difficult for the other person to overcome, because, when in need of encouragement, they instead receive the exact opposite.  

When we choose to be deliberate to those around us and share things such as gladness, joy, and laughter, we do so because we are wanting to give to someone who may need uplifted in a time of despair.  This action can be something that will showcase the love that we have for them and show others the love that Christ has for them.  These same attitudes can also be used in a form of celebration when you are happy for others and their achievements.  

HELPING THOSE WHO ARE NOT HAPPY

We must realize that there are moments when happiness is not readily available, as Ecclesiastes 3:4 states, “There is a time to laugh and a time to mourn.” The key is that when the events that cause us to be sorrowful arise, we have that time of sorrow but do not let it consume us. In that, we do not want to become bitter people and forget the good things that have occurred.  As Christians, we should be the people that will come alongside those that are hurting and guide them through this grief. Then, as time will tell, we can help them recognize the joys that life truly gives us in our daily walk with Christ. Ultimately, they will be happy because they know someone cares for them in their dark moments and can be glad you helped them without judgment. With this insight, as we see Christ’s example in scripture of providing this happiness, we can also share the light and help others become happy in their walks.  

Psalm 144:15 says, “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD,” and so we should never forget that true happiness comes from Him. We can obtain this happiness in our walks with God, rejoicing in the provisions that are given to us in our times of need, and also in the security and forgiveness that is given to us through His sacrifice on the cross for our sins and His resurrection. If you come across someone who does not honestly know Christ, the first thing to do is pray for the opportunity to show the gospel to them. You may have to build their trust in you so that when that moment comes, the message can be shared.  It is then that they will see the importance of happiness and will then be able to recognize the importance of truly obtaining it.

STAYING HAPPY

A few concepts should be considered when you look at what it takes to stay happy.   The first is that you have a spirit of contentment in your life.  Recognize that God has provided for you what is needed and that many of your needs, if not all, are continually met.  I am reminded of Philippians 4:19, which says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Having this as a focus in your life will help you be thankful for all He has done.   

The second thing Christians should keep in their mindset is being ready to help someone.   Often, if you go to help someone, the appreciation you receive will make you feel better.  Having that servant's heart to help those in need is also a meaningful way to maintain a happy heart.  This is one of the most incredible opportunities to receive happiness and a testimony to those going through a rough time in life.  If you are struggling with ideas to help, many places are always looking for volunteers, and just spending time volunteering is the greatest gift that can be given.

Finally, finding people with a positive attitude that will help keep you in a higher spirit will be the best way to maintain happiness.  If you are around someone that is continually negative, then eventually, you will also become negative.  But, on the other hand, if you are frequently around happier people, you will have the same mindset and continue in a spirit of happiness.

When we use our emotions correctly, they can show that you are wanting to develop a friendship with those around you.  When you are a person that is typically happy, willing to help, and is overall glad in life, you are someone that can be encouraging to those around you.  We have to be careful to not be annoyingly optimistic while someone is not experiencing happiness in their life, but instead look for ways to help them in their times of sadness, needs, or even bitterness about the circumstances they are going through.  Making sure that we give laughter around deliberately allows us to spread joy that others can appreciate.  Additionally, you may be the person that God places in their life to help them in a time of need.