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Charles M. Alexander tells that as a student at the Moody Bible Institute he often wondered how earnest Christians could be so light-hearted. One day when Mr. Moody gathered the students around him for a confidential talk, he noticed that some were wearing exceptionally long faces. Mr. Alexander says, "I was one of them, for I had been studying that sentence in the New Testament which says that for every idle word we shall have to give an account. I was naturally of a lively disposition and always sought to cheer those who were downhearted. But now I thought I had been wrong. Therefore I tried to control my face so that no smile would ever come upon it.
That morning Mr. Moody spoke about \reference{Matthew 12:36}{Matthew 12:36}. Looking up with a joyous countenance, he said, 'Young men, do not think this verse means that you shall go around with a long face and never express any happy sentiments.
Remember, a cheerful word is not an idle one!'" Mr. Alexander relates that from then on, he experienced unrestrained delight in the service of Christ; and the "joy of the Lord" became his "strength."
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