Scowls are in.
Smiles are out.
Have you noticed?
Take a look at most any current Christian artist album cover or website with a photo. Chances are he or she isn’t smiling.
As we have in so many other ways, the Christian subculture has mimicked secular culture.
Not many bother to ask why do the recording artists on secular albums scowl? Sure, there’s a certain “coolness” factor. It’s hip to look unhappy—go figure. But there are other reasons as well. Secular artists scowl because they have little to smile about. It’s a culture of hopelessness and materialism that never satisfies. That–and a growing gruesome preoccupation with death.
So again I ask, why must popular Christian artists—brothers and sisters who are following Christ—follow the world in their facial expressions?
I’m not suggesting every Christian needs to run around with a goofy grin 24 hours a day. But shouldn’t the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit affect even the look on our face?
Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face.
Consider that objective research has shown again and again that people think better of you—are more open to your message—if you smile. Think of it! They’d be more likely to be more interested in the gospel if we share that gospel wear a smile—or at least a pleasant look.
So us average every-day Christian folks—we need to relearn to smile. As for all you recording artists and wannabees out there: Leave the business of “glum” to the world. Go ahead. Crack a smile.
Again, I’m not advocating a shallow silliness or plastic pleasantry. But would it really kill album or online sales if artists just looked into the camera and smiled?
As someone much bolder than I once said, “If you have Jesus in your heart…kindly notify your face.”