Deuteronomy 28:47
“Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;”
Have you ever been to a restaurant where the service was great but the attitude of the servers was terrible? There is something about a good attitude that makes the atmosphere and the food of the restaurant better. The smile of the waitress and the service can make or break the decision of a customer’s return.
Several years ago, my wife and I stopped to eat at a Waffle House. We both had never eaten at there, and the thought of having a good waffle seemed to get the juices of our palettes going. We entered the restaurant, and only two people were there to care for our order. The waitress was obviously having a bad day, and the cook was helping her bad day to get worse. By the time we left, the attitude of the servers had left such a bad impression on our minds that every time we see a Waffle House, we both go back to that unpleasant visit. Though it is not fair to the Waffle House franchise, the attitude of the servers left a bad taste so much that we have never gone back.
Sadly, I’m afraid many Christians have given the bad taste to others with their attitude. The verse above says, “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart…” God’s judgment upon His people was in part due to their spirit of service. God is making it clear that He not only wants service, but He wants service with “joyfulness, and with gladness of heart.” Your disposition matters to God, and it matters to those you influence.
Christian, you don’t have to have a bad attitude to be right with God. It is sad that in many churches, you will never see the people smile or enjoy their Christianity. Their service to the LORD is done out of complete obligation and not with “joyfulness” or “gladness of heart.” Your spirit, while you serve, does influence others. Remember how the Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed because of how Solomon’s servants joyfully did their jobs? If their attitude and spirit affected the Queen of Sheba, how much more does your spirit and attitude affect those you are around?
Attitude is a choice! The whole reason anyone has a bad attitude about serving the LORD is answered in the verse above. It says, “…for the abundance of all things;” The reason people get a bad attitude is because they are wrapped up in possessions instead of being focused on their greatest possession. The greatest possession you have is a relationship with Jesus Christ. The fact that you are saved and on your way to Heaven should be enough to give you a good attitude. This should stir you to have a glad heart every day. The fact that you can never lose your salvation should cause you to have a heart filled with joy. It all comes down to your choice of whether you are going to focus on things and circumstances, or on the fact that your sins are forgiven.
Let me ask you, is your spirit one of joyfulness and gladness of heart? Do you serve the LORD with a smile? You will influence more people to want what you have if you have a smile on your face while you are serving the LORD. People want to be happy, and they will notice your smile and wonder why you are so happy. Certainly, you must still talk about the LORD, but talking about the LORD with a smile on your face will help you to influence others to want what you have while you talk about the LORD.