RISE
Day Twenty-seven – Today is day twenty-seven. It just so happens that it falls on a Saturday. Now, I don’t know about you, but Saturday’s are typically very enjoyable days. Most people are not working. They get to spend time with family. They do the things they really love and enjoy. Yes, Saturday is a day of joy and happiness. So it is with day twenty-seven in our transformation.
Today I want you to focus on the joy of being a Christian. Now, I know some of you will struggle with this theologically and practically. I mean there are many well-meaning men and women who think, “If it makes you smile it must be wrong.” They would never say that, but that is really what they believe in their heart. It is not that they are bitter or miserable, but somewhere along the way they got the wrong impression about God’s commands and requirements.
The apostle John tells us that the love of God can be defined by the fact that his commandments are not grievous (1 Jn. 5:3). This is the same book that tells us, “These things I write unto you, that your joy may be full.” Then we have James, the half brother of Christ, who wrote, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Even trials (including persecution) is joyous in the Lord.
Now, that may sound hard to believe, but remember that this was the first century Christian’s reality. Persecution came often and early…and late…and, well, all the time it seems from the Jews, Romans and many others. Yet, they found Joy. Ever wonder how?
I believe it is because they practiced joy as a spiritual discipline, just they would reading the scripture. I think their joy came from a habit of joy. Why else would they need reminded to be joyous? It was a practice. It was something they had to set time aside for. It to work and effort and diligence.
Today is day twenty-seven. Today try spreading a bit of joy to others through some kind deed or kind word or a simple phone call or note to tell someone that you appreciate them and find joy in being their friend or by knowing them.
