Joy in Suffering
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 5:41-42
I’ve been reflecting on these verses ever since preparing last Sunday’s sermon. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels a vast chasm between what most Christians seem to experience today in Australia verses that described by the Apostles and disciples.
I’m hearing from many people that their Christianity feels joyless. They are finding it hard to motivate themselves to get to Church regularly, to serve sacrificially or to give financially. Is that you?
I’m also noticing a parallel trend. When I became a Christian 25 years or so ago. It was pretty standard that you would go twice on a Sunday, often serving at both. You would go to Bible Study weekly (not fortnightly or monthly). People found time to read their Bible and pray most days.
I want to be careful here. Correlation & causation can be pretty difficult. Life has gotten busier. I think we are working longer. But I reckon a bunch of the stuff that makes life seem busier is within our power to control. We and our kids do a lot more activities than they used to.
But here’s my question. What if our joylessness is related to our lesser engagement in the things of God? What if we aren’t suffering from joylessness but it’s our very lack of sacrifice and suffering that is leading to joylessness?
I’m generalising and that’s always dangerous. But it’s worth asking the question. What do you think? And if you rekon I could be onto something, what could you do to turn it around?
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father that He is the source of true satisfaction and joy in life. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to give you and others wisdom and discernment.
Acts 5:41-42
I’ve been reflecting on these verses ever since preparing last Sunday’s sermon. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels a vast chasm between what most Christians seem to experience today in Australia verses that described by the Apostles and disciples.
I’m hearing from many people that their Christianity feels joyless. They are finding it hard to motivate themselves to get to Church regularly, to serve sacrificially or to give financially. Is that you?
I’m also noticing a parallel trend. When I became a Christian 25 years or so ago. It was pretty standard that you would go twice on a Sunday, often serving at both. You would go to Bible Study weekly (not fortnightly or monthly). People found time to read their Bible and pray most days.
I want to be careful here. Correlation & causation can be pretty difficult. Life has gotten busier. I think we are working longer. But I reckon a bunch of the stuff that makes life seem busier is within our power to control. We and our kids do a lot more activities than they used to.
But here’s my question. What if our joylessness is related to our lesser engagement in the things of God? What if we aren’t suffering from joylessness but it’s our very lack of sacrifice and suffering that is leading to joylessness?
I’m generalising and that’s always dangerous. But it’s worth asking the question. What do you think? And if you rekon I could be onto something, what could you do to turn it around?
For Today:
- Are you experiencing joyless Christianity?
- How would you describe your commitment to Church/serving others/engagement with God?
- Do you reckon you need to change anything?
Pray: Praise the Father that He is the source of true satisfaction and joy in life. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to give you and others wisdom and discernment.
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