Friday, June 8, 2012

ENJOY OR ENDURE?

Some Christians, today, look like they are enduring their salvation.  They are void of the joy of the Lord.  They look as though they've been sucking on lemons for some time and have a persistent sour expression on their face.  Serving God, for them, is like going to the dentist for a root canal.

Who would want what they have?  If that was the only example you seen of a Christian, would that draw you into a relationship with Jesus?  Probably not.
  I know it wouldn't me.

As believers, we ought to be the most joyful people on the planet!  Think about it - we are forgiven, redeemed, set free and have an assurance of life eternal in heaven.  The blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sin. The Holy Spirit resides in us. WE are the temple of the Holy Spirit!  We share the journey with other brothers and sisters.  Jesus Christ is the very center of our existence!


Our joy is not based on others.  Our joy is not based on outward circumstances we find ourselves in.  Our joy is not negatively affected by the trials and valleys that we encounter on this journey.  Our joy is based on Jesus being the center of our lives.  There's an old chorus that says, "The world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away."
   Praise God this joy we have didn't come from the world!  That simply means that the world (or the goings on in this world) cannot take away our joy! 

Out joy is not based on what others might think we ought to be doing.  Its not about what others call "church".  It's not about a building, a meeting, a seminar or a book.  Our joy is based on Jesus and on Him alone!  Nothing else will bring real lasting joy.


Have you ever known Christians who were going through tough times yet they seemed to still have a joy about them?  This is what we're talking about.  JOY!  True joy is only found in Jesus.


Until next time, let's enjoy the journey with great joy!


Ray

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