Do Have Fun

     One standard view of the Christian is the dutiful, stodgy volunteer, with the self-sacrificing air about her or him, or the old “church lady” character from Saturday Night Live. Really, we should be the ones having fun with joy radiating from our hearts even in the toughest of times. We are going to heaven and we have the power of the risen Savior living within us! He provides a way to take away out fretful moments and our deepest fears, and He even fights our battles for us. Our lives should make others want to know Jesus, too! What do you think? Rather than walking around with a pitiful and woe-is-me attitude, let’s use our God-given gifts to do our God-given work.

   

     The apostle, Paul, taught and mentored his friend, Timothy, and grew to think of him as a son. After teaching him and praying over him and getting him ready for ministry of his own, he said these words,

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  2 Timothy 1:6

     Part of the fun of being a Christian is remaining enthusiastic about all God has in store for us as we use our unique spiritual gifts and talents wherever He has placed us. He may ask us to do things way beyond what we could imagine doing in our own strength. God put a dream in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the Jewish temple. It was a daunting and seemingly impossible task, but he went ahead with God’s help.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

     That joy of knowing Jesus is always there. Let’s allow Him to be our strength with whatever daunting tasks lay ahead of us. Do not fret, do not fear, do not forget to remember His promises and His plan for the future and let Him fight the battles. He is our strength and our joy.  Jesus said,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

The amplified Bible expands the Words in this verse. It concludes,

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows. John 10:10b

  Dear Jesus,

We want to enjoy this life to the full, the abundant life of joy in You. We remember the price You paid to give us that abundant life. You give us joy and strength to make it through the day. Fan the flame in each reader’s heart to discover their spiritual gifts and to use them with Your wisdom. Let our lives bring others to know You, too.

Amen