The Joy Of Being A Christian
"The righteous doth sing and rejoice." Proverbs 29:6.
One of the marks of righteousness is joy. Yet, if often seems, by the expressions and attitudes of some, that they believe this not to be true.
The purpose of this article is not to prove we should be happy. Philippians 4:4 states this plainly, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice."
Rather, our intent is to examine various aspects of our lives and to see just how happy we really are.
THE FIRST GREAT HAPPINESS: As far as our spiritual life is concerned the first great happiness came when we obeyed the gospel. An example of this is seen in Acts 8:39. "And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing." Can you think back to that day or night when you were baptized into Christ? Probably each one can remember the happiness, the joy, the exuberant emotions that filled our hearts. We were Christians! We were on our way to heaven!
There was also no little rejoicing somewhere else when we became children of God. Luke 15: 7 "I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance." Can you imagine; did you realize that when you obeyed the gospel, your act affected the attitude of heaven itself? What a great happiness. What a tremendous time to rejoice!
As we think about that happy occasion with feelings of warm delight, let's reflect on this question; how do we react when someone else becomes a Christian? Heaven's attitude doesn't change, there is still great rejoicing, but what about us? Are we still moved by that simple and pure act of obedience? Does our heart swell within with joy when we see a person come out of the waters of baptism? Do we share his or her happiness and shout within ourselves, another precious soul on heaven's way? Or do we care at all? This is no small question to be dismissed with a shrug, for our attitude about this will reflect our attitude toward all things spiritual and eventually affect our soul's eternity.
PERMANENT ATTITUDE: Happiness is to be a characteristic of our personality at all times. Philippians 4:4 mentioned before and I Thessalonians 5:16, "Rejoice always," sums up this command.
However, we should not confuse this rejoicing with euphoria; that is, an exaggerated sense of buoyancy and vigor, or with a blas reaction to the situations of life. Rather, this joy, this emotional state of mind, is an attitude of well being, a freedom from worry, and a confidence that all is well and will be well for us all our lives.
There is no lack of recognition when we see this attitude in action. We recognize this happiness and may even envy it. But, we must all, as Christians, have it if we please our God.
WHY WE CAN BE THIS HAPPY: This type of personality seems a pipe dream to some and a wonderment to others. They may say it's not realistic but actually it's the most realistic and logical attitude a Christian can have. Here's why.
As Christians we are no longer alone in our struggle with Satan. We are in Christ and thus have His help as well as God's and the Holy Spirit's in this conflict. Because of this great power available, God has given us certain promises regarding our everyday lives. I Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it." Philippians 4:5-6, "Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious..." James 1:5, "But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." And on and on we could go, listing many other promises God has made to us. Eventually we would see that He has promised to protect us in every situation of life, all our lives. We can sum it up with Romans 8: 28, "And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good..."
This is why we can be constantly happy as Christians. We have the power of God on our side. Colossians 1:11, "strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy."
We know that Christ has overcome the world, as He stated in John 16:33, and we rejoice. We know that the words He has given can guide us in this life unto true purpose and true fulfillment, and we rejoice! John 15:11 "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
Even when we feel the heavy hand of persecution, either in the family, on the job, or wherever, we know the Lord is with us and His power is there to sustain us. We know that our lives will lead us to heaven if we're following His word. James 1:2-3, "Count it all joy, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience."
We know our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and that we are only passing through this life as sojourners and pilgrims (I Peter 2:11). We know that when we pass away we have something waiting for us that is indescribable and indestructible, 2 Corinthians 5:1, "For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens," therefore, we rejoice!
As we grow in maturity, we draw closer and closer to God, ever basking in the sunlight of His love and protection; thus our joy grows and grows.
A LAST AND ENDURING GREAT JOY: With the above promises and others ever creating within us great happiness, we look forward to one particular occasion. As we one day stand before the Lord at judgment, perhaps we'll think back to all the heartaches we had on earth, all the trials and temptations within our family, on the job, among worldly people, even among brethren. We realize that all that is now behind. Looking back it will seem so short. The kids grew up, the bills were all paid, the retirement, having to give up the big house, and on and on the memories go. But it will all be worth it when look to the throne of our Father and hear the words, "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:21.
Then, for eternity, perfect joy with our God. Just how happy are you?
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