Imagine if, instead of trying to prove who’s right, Adventists became famous for who’s light.
Like—what if “Joy” was our 29th Fundamental Belief? Right between “Christian Behavior” and “Stewardship,” we’d sneak in a line that says: “We believe in unshakeable delight, sanctified laughter, and the holiness of fun.”
Sabbath potlucks would turn into full-blown celebrations of grace. Pathfinders would stop looking like they’re marching to the gallows. And deacons would learn to pass the offering plate with a smile that doesn’t scare the children.
Joy wouldn’t be an optional emotion—it’d be a spiritual discipline. Because real Adventist joy isn’t about pretending life’s perfect. It’s about believing that even in our stress, our unfulfilled plans, and our slightly burned Special K loafs—God is still good, and He still invented laughter.
If joy was our doctrine, we’d measure revival not by attendance, but by the number of people whose eyes light up when they talk about Jesus. Our evangelism campaigns would sound less like warnings and more like wedding invitations.
And maybe, just maybe, when people hear “Seventh-day Adventist,” they’d think less of fear and more of freedom. Less of rules and more of rhythm. Less of trying—and more of rejoicing.
Because joy isn’t a distraction from holiness.
It’s what holiness feels like when you finally exhale.
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