When you read the Old Testament, you come face to face with a nation whose eyes seem to be set on being destroyed. Not because God wasn't there for them, He was (Joshua 1:9), not because they liked being under bondage to heathen gentiles, they didn't (Exodus 2:23), not because they didn't know any better, they did (cf. Jeremiah 4:6). Israel had her eyes set on destruction because they would, from their very beginning, give themselves over to idolatry and thanklessness for all that God had done and was going to do for them. When they were taken out of Egypt by their loving Father in Heaven, they gave up (Exodus 14:11). When they were provided for in the wilderness, not even having their shoes wear out, they wanted more (Numbers 21:5). When they were taught the righteous ways of worship, they turned to pieces of wood, stone and metal as their gods (Judges 8:33). Yes, Israel seems to have wanted their destruction.
But, we know that isn't the case. Even today we see people that seem to want their eternal damnation, but it is only because they do not understand the immense repercussions of such. Once a woman told me, "I'm driving the bus to hell and I'll give anyone a ride!" And even though I know she meant it, I also know that she didn't really understand the meaning of her words.
I believe that many people, and even Israel of old, willfully turn their backs on God because they believe that the strait gate (cf. Matthew 7:13-14) is the gate of joylessness and despair. They see following God as a burden they aren't willing to bear! At least, I know that was the motivation behind the statement of the self-proclaimed bus driver mentioned above.
But God commands that His followers do so with joy in their hearts (cf. Deuteronomy 28:47, Philippians 4:4).
Why?
But, we know that isn't the case. Even today we see people that seem to want their eternal damnation, but it is only because they do not understand the immense repercussions of such. Once a woman told me, "I'm driving the bus to hell and I'll give anyone a ride!" And even though I know she meant it, I also know that she didn't really understand the meaning of her words.
I believe that many people, and even Israel of old, willfully turn their backs on God because they believe that the strait gate (cf. Matthew 7:13-14) is the gate of joylessness and despair. They see following God as a burden they aren't willing to bear! At least, I know that was the motivation behind the statement of the self-proclaimed bus driver mentioned above.
But God commands that His followers do so with joy in their hearts (cf. Deuteronomy 28:47, Philippians 4:4).
Why?
Because Pessimism is Powerless
When we allow pessimism to control our thoughts, it will control our actions. We will no longer seek to follow Christ and teach others to do so, because we won't see a point in it! Let's face it, the Christian life is difficult. In fact, Jesus promised such (Matthew 7:13-14). He went as far as to say that persecution will come (Luke 17:1). He even said that some of us would have to look death in the face for our faith (Revelation 2:10)!
Pessimism lives on these verses. Because the joyless disciple wants to relish the fact that he will stumble (cf. Romans 3:23). And, when he faces these temptations, persecutions and doubts, he will give up just like the Israelites did. He is powerless to them because of his lack of joy!
Pessimism lives on these verses. Because the joyless disciple wants to relish the fact that he will stumble (cf. Romans 3:23). And, when he faces these temptations, persecutions and doubts, he will give up just like the Israelites did. He is powerless to them because of his lack of joy!
Because Joy Takes Commitment
Those passages are Scripture and therefore they are true. We will face troubles in this life. Therefore, joy takes true commitment. Anyone can follow the commands for action in the Bible, but it takes a true follower of God to follow the heart of the Bible! Remember, Christianity isn't just the do's and don't's, it's also the thoughts and attitudes (John 4:24).
God doesn't want the Sunday and (maybe) Wednesday Christians! He wants the 25/8 Christians that live His Way regardless of the time of day, circumstance or outcome. He wants His people to be wholly committed to the cause. And therefore, He wants His saints to work tirelessly for the joy set before them even in the shadow of despair just like He did (cf. Hebrews 12:2). His commands of joyful Christianity are commands of commitment!
God doesn't want the Sunday and (maybe) Wednesday Christians! He wants the 25/8 Christians that live His Way regardless of the time of day, circumstance or outcome. He wants His people to be wholly committed to the cause. And therefore, He wants His saints to work tirelessly for the joy set before them even in the shadow of despair just like He did (cf. Hebrews 12:2). His commands of joyful Christianity are commands of commitment!
Because It's the End That Counts
Sure, you are going to have to give up some things to follow Christ. In fact, you are going to have to deny your entire being to follow Him (Matthew 16:24) but it isn't the present that is important!
What does it truly matter if we suffer things in this life when it is the afterlife for which God created us (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13)?
Joy is vital to the Christian walk because it allows us to see past the present and see to the future (2 Corinthians 4:18).
If we will strive to follow Him with joy, we won't give up we won't fail and we won't fall because we will know that pessimism not only gives us no power but that it sucks what little power we did have away. Just like in the case of the Israelites. They had the power to overcome their situations, they had the power to stay faithful to God Almighty. But their pessimism destroyed their chances all because they failed to follow Him with joy in their hearts. And so they were doomed.
What does it truly matter if we suffer things in this life when it is the afterlife for which God created us (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13)?
Joy is vital to the Christian walk because it allows us to see past the present and see to the future (2 Corinthians 4:18).
If we will strive to follow Him with joy, we won't give up we won't fail and we won't fall because we will know that pessimism not only gives us no power but that it sucks what little power we did have away. Just like in the case of the Israelites. They had the power to overcome their situations, they had the power to stay faithful to God Almighty. But their pessimism destroyed their chances all because they failed to follow Him with joy in their hearts. And so they were doomed.
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