The Joys Of The Christian Life

The Joys of the Christian Life Luke 10:19-20 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." NIV I have read this scripture many times and have understood it mean that our joy should not be obtained from the results of our performance or even the temporary things of this life; but rather, our joy should come from our enduring and everlasting place in God’s book in heaven. This makes absolute sense, and is in accord with many of Jesus’ other teachings: Matt 6:19-21 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. NIV Yet sometimes I, and many others, have taken these scriptures to convey that we are not to receive joy from any of the temporal and earthly things of this world. Following this idea leads to an avoidance of all pleasurable opportunities available to us, as well as guilt in the indulgence of them. This eventually results in a very difficult Christian life, where we endure all of the challenges, yet are prevented from enjoying the rewards. This also creates a very burdensome and difficult experience that have led some to discouragement and depression; and others have become so disheartened and overburdened as to completely forsake the Christian life. This lifestyle has also led to a portion of the bad reputation Christians receive in this world, which have motivated society to adhere to the Billy Joel principle of “laughing with the sinners, rather than crying with the saints.” Yet, is this the lifestyle that God designed for His people? Does God only want us to endure the difficulties of the Christian walk, without reaping the rewards in this life? Does God only want us to live 60, 70, or 80 years in humble sobriety and misery, while waiting for our death or the second coming to experience the only joys and pleasures of life? Though, on the surface, this idea seems spiritual, unfortunately it goes against examples found in scripture. Let’s look at what the bible says: Acts 14:17 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy ." NIV 1 Tim 6:17

17 … but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment . NIV Eccl 5:19-20 19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. NIV Eccl 11:9-10 9 Be happy , young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless. NIV James 5:13 Is anyone happy ? Let him sing songs of praise. NIV Deut 24:5 5 If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married. NIV In these scriptures, we see a term called happiness (defined as a temporal joy), that God is the source of, and of which human beings are encouraged to partake in as they live their day to day lives on this earth. In Acts, Paul recounts how God provides food and water that fills the peoples’ hearts with joy. He also credits God as being the source of all things, which He uses for the purpose of our enjoyment. In Ecclesiastes, it speaks of how God gives man wealth and possessions, and allows him to enjoy them; as well as encouraging young men and women to responsibly seek what brings happiness. In James it encourages those who are happy to sing songs of praise. In Deuteronomy, it encourages a recently married man to leave his post as a soldier to bring happiness to his wife. What can be gleaned from these scriptures is that happiness in our lifetime is not only allowed and accepted by God but it is encouraged by God, because He provides the opportunities that lead to our happiness. Happiness is also something that God uses to make our lives more enjoyable, which help us to balance the

inevitable difficulties that are part of this adventure we call life. This makes some sense, since similarly, most parents’ joy comes from the happiness and well being of their children. Why should God be any different? Yet, as God mentions in Ecclesiastes, how do we know that what we gain happiness from and what we get involved in is approved by God? Well, God has set certain parameters in place to protect and lead His followers, which are like a universal picket fence that He has established so that His followers would not purposely or inadvertently go against his will. These include: Sin: Gal 5:13-14 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. NIV Spiritual Principles: Col 3:12-13 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. NIV Gal 5:22-25 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. NIV Acting within faith (according to conscience): Rom 14:22-23 23 But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith ; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. NIV Not causing your brother or sister to stumble: 1 Cor 10:31-32 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— NIV Acting out of wisdom: 1 Cor 10:23

23 "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial . "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. NIV 1 Cor 6:12 12 "Everything is permissible for me"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"-but I will not be mastered by anything. NIV

Eccl 7:18 …The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes ]. NIV Everything that we have opportunity to do in our lives, God gives us the freedom to do, as long as we do not go against the parameters described above. Since it is in our nature to pursue situations that bring us happiness, to do so would mean that if we desire to do something, it would be wise to ask ourselves the following questions before we do it: 1. Is what I want to be involved in sinful? 2. Is it going against any spiritual principles? 3. Do I feel uncomfortable doing it (in other words, does it violate my conscience?)? 4. Will it cause others to stumble in their faith? 5. Will the results not be beneficial or constructive to me or anyone else? Or, am I being extreme in what I am involved in? If we answer no to all of the questions above, we have the freedom to engage in most of what we have opportunity to be involved in. Granted, every situation is different, and there will be situations that are a lot more difficult to ascertain, yet the above questions will help set the foundation for godly decision making. Therefore I can live my life enjoying pleasurable activities such as eating, sleeping, reading, listening to music, engaging in hobbies, entertainment, and engaging in any activity that may not serve any greater purpose than bringing temporary happiness to me and those around me. Consequently, such enjoyment of life will not only help alleviate and balance the difficulties that life generally brings, but it can lead to more gratitude toward God, and a greater appreciation of His grace in our lives. This, in turn, can lead to a greater love and obedience toward God for the opportunities that He has graciously provided for us and that fill our hearts with joy. Tips for living a joyful life:

1. Make a list: Make a list of all of things you enjoy doing (and some you would like to try out) and make time for them by injecting them into your schedule; as well as making room in your budget for them (for example I budget out $5 per week to go to a movie matinee every Friday of every week). 2. Explore: Try out new things that you think you may enjoy (i.e.: hiking, working out, bike riding, art, etc.). Bring a friend along to make it a more joyful experience. 3. Join social clubs: If you know what you like to do, find a group that does it on a consistent basis. It is a great way to make new friends, which enhances the experience and your joy in what you involved in. 4. Take breaks: Take breaks throughout your busy day to do things that you enjoy. They may be small things, but they help balance a busy day at work or at home with the kids (for instance I do something that I enjoy every two hours to help me stay sane throughout my busy day).