If you remember the move Mary Poppins, Mary’s friend Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke, said he liked to hear different people laugh. We all have unique laughs. One little boy in school was laughing out loud and the teacher scolded him. “Teacher, I didn’t mean to.” He said. “I was smiling and the smile busted.”
The apostle Paul, in Philippians 4, tells us what to do to develop an inner smile, even when things on the outside don’t warrant a smile. In Philippians 4:4-9, he tells us to “Smile!” Let’s see what he has to say…
#1 SMILE IN THE LORD – 4:4:
Observe that a positive mental attitude begins with rejoicing in the Lord. Paul had already told the Philippian Christians to do this very thing – 3:1. Realize what great, tremendous, and awesome blessings we have in Jesus Christ. That will help put life into perspective.
#2 SMILE IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – 4:5:
Relative to interpersonal relationships, Paul writes: “Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind.” How is it that Jesus could “for the joy set before Him” endure the cross? (Hebrews 12:2). In part, it was because Jesus knew He had always been gentle with those around Him.
Are you having problems at work? Rejoice in the Lord and be gentle with your co-workers. Are you having problems in the family, with your spouse or your children? Rejoice in the Lord and be gentle. It is the willingness to give and take in a relationship that can make you smile.
#3 SMILE WITHOUT WORRYING – 4:6:
Notice in this verse that Paul (Thomas, 139):
- Prohibits worry
- Prescribes prayer
- Promises peace
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#4 SMILE IN CONTENTMENT – 4:6b:
Be thankful for what you have. Are you having money-management problems? This won’t solve everything. It won’t pay your bills if you are in over your head but it will keep you from getting in any deeper and once you get out of debt, it can keep you from going back into debt. Be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5-6).
#5 SMILE IN THE PEACE OF GOD – 4:7:
Paul says we should rejoice in the Lord and be gentle with all men. He tells us to trust God will resolve our problems and pray with thanksgiving. We should have contented hearts and then the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. When the world is falling apart, when our lives are falling apart, we can still have peace of mind if we will follow the recipe of Jesus Christ.
#6 SMILE IN YOUR THOUGHTS – 4:8:
Notice what Paul writes in verse 8 – “think on these things.” We have to guard what we think about. If we think about sin, we’re going to give in it. If we think about our fears, we’re going to worry. If we think about problems, we’re going to become cynical. If we think about our limitations, we’re going to be pessimistic. Psychologists call this cognitive restructuring. That is, you have to change the way you think.
#7 SMILE IN YOUR BEHAVIOR – 4:9:
Smile in controlling your behavior. Follow what Paul taught. He traveled the Mediterranean world, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, teaching men to become Christians, to worship God through Jesus Christ, and to share that same message with family and friends. That’s the model; that’s the pattern that Paul handed down to us.
Live an abundant life by smiling…
