Joy

I have been terribly convicted in study. Reading some of the great men of God and theologians that have been before us, and then laying my life over their thoughts and lifestyles has been one of the most convicting experiences of my life. Surprisingly the one thing that seemed to most convicting out of the many, was not their intellect, not their commitment to discipline, not their relationships with others, not their marriage, not their study devotion, although all of these were convicting. The most convicting however was this, the seemingly nonchalant understanding of the pleasures unspeakable that are found in Christ and the utter indifference toward the things in this world. 

What freedom comes with not only knowing the unsearchable riches and joy of Christ, but also pursuing them at all cost? To what end are we willing to neglect the trite, fleeting pleasures of this world in order to pursue fully the immeasurable greatness of our God. In truth, we are not willing. We are willing to offer lip service and filthy rags of our own righteousness. We are willing to ascribe to standard of morality and call it Christianity. We are willing to do the right things, at the right time, while playing the right part, in order to save face and identity. Yet, historically when has a life following Christ ever offered a chance to save face? In fact, isn't following Christ marked with death to self? The answer of course is yes, but in word not in heart. 

I know cognitively, yet not in the depth of my soul. If I did, wouldn't things look differently in my life? Of course, and because this is true it stings at the very core of who I am. This truth haunts my thoughts and I can't help but wonder if it haunts anyone else. Or perhaps we are completely satisfied with the things in this world. There is a reason that this is an absolute, compromise.

The glory of God is at the forefront of our existence. Since the beginning of time, we have been created to glorify God. We were created, not for fellowship, not for company, not for communion, but for the worship, adoration, and renown of the name of God. Clearly then the age old question should be, how do we glorify him? This is where the rubber meets the road. Many people think that we glorify God through our submission, service, and lifestyles of morality. We believe that God is most glorified, when His church buildings are full of people that are worshippers, prayer warriors, band members, greeters, ushers, interns, and pastors. Perhaps we believe even that God is most glorified in missions, or through philanthropy in His name. However, biblically we must infer that these are not entirely true. We must concur that God is most glorified, when we find our utmost joy, peace, happiness, and fulfillment in Him and in turn through those things our only response is to fulfill the aforementioned actions. Not through obligation, but in joy. 

As I began to read the men of God who have gone before us, and a select few men who stand today as pillars. I saw that this truth is sprinkled throughout the Scriptures. David exclaims "the joy of the Lord is my strength." James encourages the believers to "count it all joy brothers" when trial comes your way. Paul explains that in Christ He finds "joy unspeakable" and that it is "full of glory". This text has unbelievable connotation to it. Paul has just said, that when we passionately pursue Christ we will find in Him the unspeakable joy and pleasure that is no where else, and not only this, but also that in this glory is made full. This act is full of God's glory. Why? God is glorified in our joy.