Feb. 16, 2007 - Serving up Joy
I saw this question this morning:
"How about you? Is there an area in your life where you could serve Christ by choosing joy over bitterness?"
I am challenged by it. I serve...all day. It is not always easy. A lot of times it is simply a choice. Not fun, no smiles...silmply, a choice. Other times it is great, and rewarding, fun and fulfilling. There is something inside of me that compells me, almost propells me forward to do things for others. The challenge for me is that I could serve others just by choosing joy over bitterness. It is so easy to become bitter. A child who does not like a gift given, a friend who ignores you, a husband preoccupied, family too busy...... It is all a trap to become bitter. Serving could continue on, but it would simply become duty over time, and lead to deep sadness, and burnout. The enemy wants to see us destroyed, and giving in to bitterness is giving in to him. Again, I am challenged. Pain, and hurt feelings are real. I want to deal with it in a heart of forgiveness and allow Jesus to be my healer. Letting it go, because Jesus forgave my sins and loves me even still.
Another question comes to mind...how is choosing joy a way of serving? It is not "doing," or "giving." It is a heart condition, a perspective, a choice to dig into the treasures that Christ has given us, and not give into the carnal feelings that overcome us..that attack us with never-ending persuasion. The Bible tells us that joy of the Lord is our strength. Maybe as we use that beautiful treasure that Jesus has given us, maybe it drowns out the carnal feelings that scream at us. I will continue to ponder this, look into God's Word regarding His joy. I long for it. I need it. My family needs it. I want to serve them joy.
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