Joy and humility are two traits that I desire to be characterized by. I have much to be joyful for! And in sight of God’s grace and favor I should be humbled. In God’s presence I should be filled with both joy and humility. Yet these are two traits that I find myself lacking daily. I hope to grow in these traits but by no means is the joy of the Lord my strength…at least not much of the time. I believe that with perfect joy and humility, sin will be absent. So what better things to strive for? I hope this talk can help you achieve more joy and humility. God bless.
One last note: I gave this talk in my campaigners group last week continuing my focus on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. It wasn’t quite this complex when I gave it to the middle school kids. I’ve added more for this blog because this audience is older. I encourage you all to have a Bible handy and read the verses I mention. I read from The Passion Translation.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Resist revenge. Jesus said to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40). But how is this possible? Turning the cheek is most often seen as weakness or cowardice. But in fact turning the other cheek is a very noble thing to do. For me though, it seems the opposite of what I should do. In an argument I want to prove that I am better or wittier than my opponent by having the last say; having the last word feels like a win. This is sheer pride. When you are upset and want to have the last word in an argument simply stay silent. This reflects Jesus’ character. It will lead others to Christ and deepen your own relationship with Christ. So really that’s a win for God and for you.
This is only possible by looking at your opponent through God’s eyes. He sees and knows your opponent fully, and still loves. He sees and knows you fully, and still loves. In sight of that love, doing what is beautiful to everyone is easier; not easy, but easier. (Ephesians 4:32) Jesus is God, yet he humbled himself and took on flesh. He endured mocking, jeering, and torture without raising a hand to stop it or speak against it. Jesus was not angry with his accusers, but sympathetic for them. (Luke 23:33-37)
You are much less than Jesus. You much more so deserve the treatment you receive, and yet you lash out. As C.S. Lewis said, Pride is the great sin. All other sins are made possible by pride. Humble yourself. Live as a servant. Love and encourage others with patience and understanding. Don’t be petty; when something starts to frustrate you, take a deep breath and consider if it’s really worth a fight. Most often it won’t be.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Make joy your continual feast. I love this imagery and analogy. As a feast fills you up and brings energy, enjoyment, and life, so too does joy. Without joy you will spiritually and emotionally starve; your life will suffer. You will become depressed, disappointed, and ungrateful. And because of your pride (your thought that you deserve so much more) or your self pity (your thought that you are worthless) you will be led either into lust and greed for more or into a life of stagnation; both of which lead to sin; either a sin of commission or a sin of omission.
Well it’s impossible to be joyful all the time right? Wrong. It’s impossible to be happy all the time. Happiness is a feeling that is fleeting. But joy is deeper than that. Joy is a feeling of the soul; remaining contentment, security, and even excitement that is a result of a personal relationship with God. (Philippians 4:11-13)
I think the order of these verses is important. Being in prayer should bring joy. And being joyful leads to prayer. God is always with you and hears you. That’s amazing! Even more spectacular is that God wants to hear you; He cares for you and He will take care of you and provide for you. He wants you to lay your burdens down at His feet so that He can carry them for you.
Joy is from the LORD; it comes from a knowledge of who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing. Happiness is from worldly circumstances. Happiness isn’t bad. But joy is so much better. To fully experience joy you have to stop taking things for granted. Even the little things can bring great enjoyment. You must realize the greatness of our God and His love for you to find this joy of the Lord.
Laugh and smile and sing often. You have much to be grateful for! Not the least of which that God is with you! Even Paul was grateful when he was in prison (Philippians 1:12-14). Remember God’s promises and be filled with thankfulness and thus joy.
Family Time:
Why do you think Jesus says to turn the other cheek?
Are your arguments and fights important?
Are you joyful? Are you happy? How do you tell the difference?
What do you think of prayer?
Are you thankful? Why? Do you show your thanks?
Encouragement:
Take some time each day to dwell on God’s promises: two of which are He is for you and He is with you.
If you realize that you are in an argument that is petty stop arguing and admit that you’re being petty and probably being proud.
Spend five minutes a day in prayer. Be sure to tell God what you’re thankful for in this time.
