The Joys of the Christian Life

8/14/2019 The Joys of the Christian Life

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The Joys of the Christian Life

Luke 10:19-20

20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that yournames are written in heaven." NIV

I have read this scripture many times and have understood it mean that our joyshould not be obtained from the results of our performance or even the temporarythings of this life; but rather, our joy should come from our enduring and everlastingplace in Gods book in heaven. This makes absolute sense, and is in accord withmany 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 andsteal. 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 weare 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 availableto us, as well as guilt in the indulgence of them. This eventually results in a verydifficult Christian life, where we endure all of the challenges, yet are prevented fromenjoying the rewards. This also creates a very burdensome and difficult experiencethat have led some to discouragement and depression; and others have become sodisheartened and overburdened as to completely forsake the Christian life. Thislifestyle has also led to a portion of the bad reputation Christians receive in thisworld, which have motivated society to adhere to the Billy Joel principle of laughingwith the sinners, rather than crying with the saints.

Yet, is this the lifestyle that God designed for His people? Does God only want us toendure 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 andpleasures of life? Though, on the surface, this idea seems spiritual, unfortunately itgoes against examples found in scripture. Lets look at what the bible says:

Acts 14:17

17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by givingyou 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


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17 but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for ourenjoyment . NIV

Eccl 5:19-20

19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him toenjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work this is a gift of God. 20 Heseldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied withgladness 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 dutylaid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to thewife he has married. NIV

In these scriptures, we see a term called happiness (defined as a temporal joy), thatGod is the source of, and of which human beings are encouraged to partake in asthey live their day to day lives on this earth. In Acts, Paul recounts how Godprovides food and water that fills the peoples hearts with joy. He also credits Godas 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 allowshim to enjoy them; as well as encouraging young men and women to responsiblyseek what brings happiness. In James it encourages those who are happy to singsongs of praise. In Deuteronomy, it encourages a recently married man to leave hispost as a soldier to bring happiness to his wife.

What can be gleaned from these scriptures is that happiness in our lifetime is notonly allowed and accepted by God but it is encouraged by God, because Heprovides the opportunities that lead to our happiness. Happiness is also somethingthat God uses to make our lives more enjoyable, which help us to balance the


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inevitable difficulties that are part of this adventure we call life. This makes somesense, since similarly, most parents joy comes from the happiness and well beingof 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 certainparameters in place to protect and lead His followers, which are like a universalpicket fence that He has established so that His followers would not purposely orinadvertently 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 indulgethe 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 withcompassion, 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 passionsand 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 notfrom 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. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God NIV

Acting out of wisdom:

1 Cor 10:23


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23 "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial . "Everything ispermissible"-but not everything is constructive. NIV

1 Cor 6:12

12 "Everything is permissible for me"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything ispermissible 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 todo, as long as we do not go against the parameters described above. Since it is inour 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 questionsbefore 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 myconscience?)?

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 inmost of what we have opportunity to be involved in. Granted, every situation isdifferent, and there will be situations that are a lot more difficult to ascertain, yetthe 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 inany activity that may not serve any greater purpose than bringing temporary

happiness to me and those around me. Consequently, such enjoyment of life willnot only help alleviate and balance the difficulties that life generally brings, but itcan lead to more gratitude toward God, and a greater appreciation of His grace inour lives. This, in turn, can lead to a greater love and obedience toward God for theopportunities that He has graciously provided for us and that fill our hearts with joy.

Tips for living a joyful life:


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1. Make a list : Make a list of all of things you enjoy doing (and some you wouldlike 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 $5per 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 iton a consistent basis. It is a great way to make new friends, which enhancesthe experience and your joy in what you involved in.

4. Take breaks : Take breaks throughout your busy day to do things that youenjoy. They may be small things, but they help balance a busy day at work orat home with the kids (for instance I do something that I enjoy every twohours to help me stay sane throughout my busy day).

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The Joys of the Christian Life