Outward Displays of Christian Joy

It is one thing, of course, to actually show joy and another to truly be joyful. A fool may be appear to be joyful outwardly, but at the same time have no real joy inwardly. On the other hand, a person who appears miserable on the outside may be filled with great inward joy. Right so far, eh?

We in the reformed and reasonable camp know quite well how dangerous outward expressions of emotions can be in our Christian lives, especially in relation to spiritual things. We know that outward displays of joy can and often do lead to pentecostalism, flesh-pleasing and regulative-principle-of-worship-breaking. It is important, therefore, to keep oneself in check daily to make sure that the inward joy that you have, the wondrous news of the gospel, doesn't show much on the outside. Here are a couple of tips.

1. Never smile - A smirk may be permissible at times, but it's best not to even let this come out. Remember your joy is primarily inward. If someone sees you smiling he may think you've heard a joke, or that you're charismatic or something. Practice a dour expression. This will display your piety and seriousness about your Christian life and is the best expression to have when talking about the gospel.

2. Frequently use the word "frivolous" - Most outward expressions of joy come from frivolity, and almost everything is frivolity. It's important to remember this lest you succumb to outward expressions of joy. Tempted to laugh at a joke, even a clean one? Remember, it's frivolous. Sports? Frivolous. Playing games with your family? That's frivolous too. Make sure you not only remember this for yourself, but also constantly remind everyone else around you.

3. Talk through your gritted teeth about spiritual things - This is especially effective when saying the word "gospel." You'll want to say it with force, teeth gritted tightly highlighting it with a slight and violent shaking movement of the head, just enough to make your jowls jiggle a little bit . Rule number one applies here most of all as it is especially dangerous to smile when talking about the gospel.

4. Bring up the subject of breaking the Sabbath as much as humanly possible - There's no better way to suck smiles out of a room full of people than to connect any subject or activity back to the issue of Sabbath-breaking. Remember it's okay that you call the Sabbath a "delight" as long as you're not demonstrative in your delighting. Also, if you see someone outwardly expressing joy, nine times out of ten it probably connects back to him breaking the Sabbath.

5. Pick apart everyone's words for theological correctness - Nothing will help people understand your joy about the gospel more than tearing a brother apart because something he said wasn't exactly theologically right. For example, if someone remarks how he "liked the choir's anthem this past Sunday." you have a perfect opportunity for bringing up the regulative principle of worship and the wickedness of such things. Be sure to use the words "the flesh" and "entertainment" a lot when you address the issue.

6. Take any remark about the weather to be spiritual heresy - Another way to show how much joy you have is by perpetually impressing everyone with the fact that you have a clear understanding of God's sovereignty over the weather. For instance, if someone says "Man, it's hot today." make sure you respond "Well, we don't control the weather now do we?"

7. Grunt and wince when someone mentions John Piper - Though he is apparently a Christian brother, and is probably going to heaven, we don't want to get to close to him. Many people are reading his books these days and supposedly being blessed by them, but guard yourself. Spend some time in front of the mirror practicing the grunt-wince reaction.

8. Be sure not to make any bodily movements in worship - Any movement whatsoever during worship could lead to dancing, thus sending you down the path of regulative-principle-of-worship-breaking, Barthianism, pentecostalism and Sabbath-breaking. It will take some practice, but with time you can achieve total paralysis while you sing. Remember, no movement is allowed other than your lips. This means no toe taps inside of the shoe, no slight shifting of weight, no head nods, finger taps or even elbow swings. You'll also want to make sure you avoid eye blinks that might fall on a downbeat.

Such rules, if adhered to, will help all around you see the truly deep Christian joy you have, unhindered by your outward emotions.