Finding Joy
I currently have the privilege of teaching our youth group on Wednesday nights during our mid-week service. This quarter, we are studying the book of 1 John. Despite the fact that this letter was written nearly 2,000 years ago, it has a very timely message for us today. We recently examined one thought from John that serves as a good reminder for everyone.
In 1 John 1.4, John wrote, “And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” John, the author, actually provides direct insight into one of his reasons for writing this letter. He wanted them to experience a full and healthy joy. This is my hope for you as well.
However, his sentiment should cause us to consider why their joy wasn’t already complete. Remember, he is writing to Christians. These Christians have confessed their belief and trust in Jesus. They have been baptized into Christ on the promise of having their sins forgiven. They now can wake up everyday with the hope of an eternity with their heavenly Father. Yet, John felt something was lacking in their joy.
Unfortunately, we do not know all of the historical circumstances that led to this less than ideal joy. But I know there are Christians today who lack joy as well. Consider the following realities that rob Christians from the joy that John desires.
- Feeling like nobody among my church family cares about me
- The inability to overcome my discouragement from daily life outside of Christianity
- A belief that I cannot share my struggles with fellow Christians because I must uphold an “image of near perfection.”
- Hearing about God’s description of Christianity from the Bible and not seeing it practiced among our church family.
- The inability to let go of worldly pursuits that hinder my godly purpose (see 1 John 2.15-17).
- Seeing Christian relationships lack the degree of love seen in the Bible
- Not knowing how or where to fit in at church
I could list many more, but you get the idea. If you are honest, I believe you would admit to experiencing at least one of these in your life. Like John, I want you to find joy in Christianity. Jesus wants you to have joy in Christianity.
For this week, I am doing something that I have not yet done. I am giving you homework. Read through the letter of 1 John. Write down a few things that you see in the letter that would help his readers find joy. Afterall, this is one reason that John wrote. But go one step further. Email your list to me at robert@manchestercofc.org. I would love to see your thoughts and I may even share them, confidentially of course, with others. This challenge includes members of this congregation and visitors to our blog and website. I will write my thoughts in next week’s post. Also, my email is available if you ever feel like you need personal help to find that joy. Myself and others are always available. This homework is designed for one purpose. I want to help you find joy. Parents, it might be a good project for your children as well. Please email me your thoughts by Monday, September 23. Thank you for your help and your thoughts that may help others as well.