The Scottish theologian William Barclay, once wrote, “A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms. And nothing in all of religious history has done Christianity more harm than its connection with black clothes and long faces.”

A gloomy Christian allows their negative circumstances to overwhelm their day. They succumb to the temptation to count their frustrations, sorrows and pain and conclude that life is awful. And they allow those dark thoughts to imprint their face.

Instead of passing along the sweet aroma of Christ and all He has done for us, gloomy Christians seem to wander around shouting that life stinks!

I was recently quite surprised to read a survey that only 33% of American adults describe themselves as “happy.” And even that doesn’t say much.  The root of the term “happy” just means “luck,” so being happy isn’t everything. It just suggests a season of “good luck.”

On the other hand, a joy filled Christian might be experiencing exactly those same circumstances, but he or she refuses to view them from that negative perspective. Instead, that joy “crammed” believer makes a conscientious effort to see life from a different mindset. It’s not a Pollyanna moment. It’s a reality check with Christ at the center of the evaluation.

This week might be a great time to consider the words of Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations. Just as Jerusalem was set to fall to the Babylonians, he penned his tear-stained thoughts. “This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:21-23).

Surely you and I can enjoy this same attitude.

Things may be difficult. Health issues may be bombarding us. Kids may be driving us up the proverbial tree. Finances may be short. Relationships may be crashing all around us. But let’s reject the temptation to be gloomy Christians.

Our hope is in the steadfast love of the Father. So, let’s allow that truth to be reflected all over our faces. No black robes for us!