All Smiles!

There are many things which may put a smile on our face. Perhaps we each had a number of experiences over the last few days which caused us to smile. Watching our grandchildren get excited about gifts they received quickly brought smiles to our faces, especially when that excitement was over something we had given them. We very much APPROVED of their reaction.

When it comes to smiling, we should consider who is doing it and why. Someone has stated “The world’s smiles are more dangerous than its frowns.” [source: a sentence sermon] When a smile declares APPROVAL is it always for that which should receive it? Whose APPROVAL we allow to influence our lives is of utmost importance to consider. Not all smiles correspond with that which God APPROVES.

Jesus cautioned…
“WOE TO YOU, WHEN ALL PEOPLE SPEAK WELL OF YOU, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” ( Luke 6:26 ESV)

Note this passage from two other translations.

“WHAT SORROWS AWAIT YOU WHO ARE PRAISED BY THE CROWDS, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.” [New Living Translation, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

“THERE’S TROUBLE AHEAD WHEN YOU LIVE ONLY FOR THE APPROVAL OF OTHERS, SAYING WHAT FLATTERS THEM, DOING WHAT INDULGES THEM. Popularity contests are not truth contests -- look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! YOUR TASK IS TO BE TRUE, NOT POPULAR.” [from “The Message”: The Bible in contemporary language. Colorado Springs, Colo.:
NavPress]

Is the point clear? Just as it was during the days Jesus walked this earth, there are still many today who are seeking the praise of man rather than the praise of God. ( John 12:43) Even some who believe ( John 12:42) allow the greater influence to be what others think rather than what God has APPROVED. It is truly a sorrowful sight when the world smiles while God frowns. Life is not to be a popularity contest unless it is with God Whom we are seeking to be popular!

As we approach the end of this year and begin to make resolutions regarding the next, may our greatest resolve be to keep the smile on God’s face. It is the smile of His APPROVAL which needs to continually warm our hearts and influence our actions.

Have a great day LIVING TO PLEASE GOD!
Carl

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