Everyone would rather have fun than drudgery! However when you look around today most people are not having much fun, sadly unless they are high or drunk! Even sadder is the fact that most Christ followers are not seen as fun people either! In fact I grew up believing that anything fun, joyful or celebratory had no place in the life of the believer, we were serious and humble before the Lord! I'm pretty sure the church is still largely perceived the same today!
Shame on us! The bible is more than anything else a story of joy! Christianity is a joy-filled, exuberant faith! We recently celebrated Easter, but the church seems to focus on the sadness of Jesus' death on the cross for our sins. This is of course true, but it is not the full story! Jesus death was cruel and despicable beyond measure (watch "The Passion of the Christ"); but beyond the cross is the triumphant love and power of God who raised Jesus from death so that our lives could be renewed!
Easter released an explosion of joy in the hearts of every person who opened their heart to receive the life-giving joyful Spirit of the risen Christ. And that is still the absolute truth today! We are by definition, experience and belief the most joyful people on the face of the earth!
Why then would we choose drudgery rather than joyous, victorious living? And Jesus is the only way to receive this joy, because he is the means to live in a new relationship with God. We should be singing more songs and hymns about the joy of the Lord, then let the fun begin!
Till next time
Shalom,
Pastor Greg
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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