On the front background of this Dayspring Greeting Card (www.dayspring.com), one can’t help but notice (and be cheered by) all of the many bright, colorful party hats. In the foreground in fancy black font trimmed in white are the words, “Sometimes, its okay to be silly.”
When you emotionally mature (we all grow up at different ages) and know what the right thing is to do, is it ever correct to act like a reckless fool? (See picture below.)
I Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) makes this assessment. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became [an adult], I put away childish things.”
Proverbs 22:15 (MSG) adds this insight. “Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.” Both of these verses to me communicate both discipline and acting smart for your age.
Psalm 16:9 (MSG) admits, “I’m happy from the inside out…” Job 5:2 (MSG) makes this confession. “The hot temper of a fool eventually kills him; the jealous anger of a simpleton does her in.” If you’ve ever known someone overly confident of (or happy with) themselves, they can make some very stupid mistakes.
I believe God wants His children to be happy. He occasionally provides fun, joyful, restful times in our lives that we can spend with those we love.
“[There is] a time to…laugh… and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV) God loves His children to have appropriate fun.
“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation so He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2, NIV) If taking a break is important to your Heavenly Father, it should become part of your routine.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)
“He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.” (Psalm 30:5, MSG)
My hope for you is that when friends and family speak your name that strength of character is associated with it. (Proverbs 22:1) Philippians 4:5 (NIV) and Ephesians 4:31-32 (MSG) make these assessments about one’s moral fiber. “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do…”
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
If you had to rate your character (with a percentage) on how you are progressing with all that was mentioned in this post, what would that number be? Have you arrived, or is there some personal self-improvement you need to do?
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