July 20, 2026

The Greek word “rejoice” refers to the uplifting, ongoing cheerfulness of those who live rooted in faith. Joy is the helium of the heart that makes us airborne. It’s the corklike quality of our souls that keeps us buoyant.

Sadness and sorrow befall us in life. Tears come. Disasters strike. But by and large, the default attitude of one who believes is joy. That’s the natural “setting” of a faith-infused person. Uplifting, outgoing cheerfulness. Gladness.

I once read of a man who smelled good wherever he was and whatever he was doing. His very skin seemed to exude a pleasant fragrance. He worked in a perfume factory and breathed in the aromas every day. They filtered into his clothing, penetrated his skin, and even filled his lungs. He became a walking perfumery.

That should be happening to us: a contagious joy that pervades our personality; it puts a smile on the face, a sparkle in the eye, a bounce in the step, a warmth in the voice, a confidence in the heart, and a composure in the demeanor—exuding from us the essence that leadership is the outward expression of an inwardly rooted life.

Emmanuel Swedenborg said this: "Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want, and do.” True kindness transforms our entire perspective and brings deep intrinsic joy.

The world doesn't need more impressive leaders. It needs more deeply rooted people, whose joy is the helium of their heart!

Intentionally Own It!

• What growth does this week's message invite me to embrace?

• Who am I becoming as I embrace it?

Adapted from Robert J Morgan