The Joy Of Being A Christian
by Micky Galloway
Unfortunately, many think if you are a Christian, you must go about looking as if you were weaned on a sour pickle. Yet, “joy” is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit that we must add as we grow in Christ (Galatians 5:22). Paul, writing from a Roman prison, instructed the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4; cf. Philippians 3:1). The Christian has many privileges and responsibilities, but our responsibilities are not grievously born (I John 5:3). Let us understand that the numerous admonitions written to Christians to “rejoice” are given with good reason.
Our ability to rejoice does not depend upon the outward circumstances of life or on the possession of worldly goods. Many have very little of this world's goods, perhaps even are persecuted, yet are happy and content. The Hebrews “endured a great conflict of sufferings … and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions” (Hebrews 10:32-34). While being punished for their preaching, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41). Paul and Silas, having been beaten and placed in stocks in the inner prison, were able to express their joy by singing hymns unto God (Acts 16:25). Truly, it is amazing how much is said about joy and suffering for the cause of Christ. Jesus stated in the sermon on the mount, “Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven …” (Matthew 5:11-12). The apostle Peter echoed these words in I Peter 4:12-16. Joy in adversity reflects an attitude the world does not understand. Those who were responsible for the deaths of Christians in the early days of the church questioned how Christians could face death with such courage and confidence. Notice the confidence of Paul as he knew his execution was near (Cf. II Timothy 4:6-8).
Many have not found such sublime joy because they are looking in the wrong places. Solomon learned that lasting joy is not found in the abundance of things, but these are all vanity. Moses understood that the joy of sin was only for a season (Hebrews 11:25). The rich man worked to provide riches to enjoy the rest of his life, but God called him a fool because he had not laid up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:16-21). These things from which many seek to derive joy will ultimately fail, but the joy provided by the Lord will never fail or be taken away. “And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you” (John 16:22). What is it that gives a Christian such abundant joy?
1. The Promises Of God. Peter called these “precious and exceeding great promises” (II Peter 1:4). These promises provide us with hope, the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is certainly good reason to rejoice. “For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name” (Psalms 33:21). Paul stated, “… through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2; cf. Romans 12:12). Paul further stated. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
2. Our Names Are Written In Heaven. As the seventy were impressed with the authority Jesus had given them to cast out demons, Jesus reminded them to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Paul stated, “…rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1; cf. Philippians 4:4). The privilege to be called “children of God” and the blessing of being “in Christ” is reason to rejoice. This was made possible by the Savior who came into the world. It is no small wonder that the angel who announced the birth of the Savior unto the shepherds said, “… I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10).
3. The Word Of God. David described the man who is blessed in Psalms 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” The Psalmist beautifully described the joy found in God's word, “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: … More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalms 19:8,10). The preaching of Philip produced much joy in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8) and the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing, having obeyed the gospel (Acts 8:39).
4. The Fellowship Of Saints. Christians have the privilege of associating with the best people on earth and sharing in the very best those people have to offer. As Paul did, we should also rejoice as we anticipate the presence of those who are faithful Christians (I Thessalonians 3:6-7,9; Philemon 7). It is a taste of heaven to enjoy the company of beloved faithful brethren. This is one of the blessings of Christians assembling together with the voice of joy and praise to worship God. We were blessed indeed, through each assembly of our recent gospel meeting.
What does this mean to the Christian when he is tempted, persecuted or discouraged? James answers this question for us, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Successfully enduring temptation produces joy and cultivates patience. The Hebrew writer reminds us to run the race with patience, “looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). This means we must focus on the finish line. We must see the glory of heaven promised to those who overcome. Though Paul endured many sufferings, he said, “For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:17-18). Paul saw the finish line and when he compared the eternal joy of heaven to the sufferings of this life, he said, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8:18).
Only until we learn to see the unseen, will this lasting joy become a reality. This joy is found only in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). The joy of being a Christian far outweighs all of this world's adversities and makes our lives rich, full and satisfying.