Our goal at this stage of societal cognitive dissonance is to offer the world something remarkably simple. In fact, it’s so simple that people may scoff at the idea. I refer to the indispensable tool in the Christian manifesto, the undying and unadulterated joy of the saint.
We live in what one scholar referred to as the age of “post-persuasion.” People truly believe that a few acronyms and some tearing of historical monuments, and a heavy dose of cussing and magical talking points will convince the other side to give up the cause. But if you stand in your house or on the street and show some displays of hearty laughter and good ol’ fashioned cheer, the nations will rage in perplexity.
That simple display on social media and public encounters has the effect of revealing something more profound in our way of thinking; it reveals our inward disposition that does not necessitate hate or heavy intellectual artillery. I am more convinced that the gentle sister who finds joys in life and who worships her Christ with sincerity has a far greater chance of changing the hearts of some than the outrageous zealot who opines six times a day on social media looking for a chance to win the war on ideas.
The beauty of this season is that ideas are clearer than ever, and the source of those ideas are clearer than ever. When Jesus came, the people of God spread his fame so that our joy may be full. In an age of post-persuasion, we have a powerful responsibility to smile during communion, to laugh with our children, and to amuse ourselves to life in God.
2 Replies to “The Art of Joy”