Join in the Joy
Through the years, I have frequently preached about joy. It is more than an emotion (although it includes emotion); rather, it is a settled attitude, a stable and sturdy approach to life that focuses us on the things that matter now and forever. Joy is much greater and much more powerful than happiness, which is event or circumstance driven. There is nothing wrong with happiness. It is certainly better than unhappiness. Also, we have different personalities. For example, my wife is happy-go-lucky. Of course, she has every reason to be, being married to me. However, not everyone can be married to me. We need something more substantial than happiness; that something is joy. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In Philippians 2:16-18, Paul refers five times to “joy” or “rejoice.” The reciprocal nature of joy that we considered yesterday is found here as well. Paul, as a master teacher, knew the value and necessity of repetition; he often returned to key themes in his writings. The context of this passage (verses 12-16) points again to the problem of conflict within the church (verse 14). Paul also warns of the ever present opposition of the world (verse 15). Like the Philippian believers, we live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse” generation, one which is disdainful of God, His people, and His joy. One characteristic (of many) which distinguishes the Christian from this screaming and tear-streaming world is the reality of abiding joy. It helps us to avoid the contumacious contamination of the crucifying crowd; it simultaneously enables us to “shine as lights in the world” – this dark and disconsolate world that seeks to destroy us and our joy. May our joy blaze the better way, the best way.