Theme of the Week: Summer Fruits
Bible Verse: ‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-12
‘Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?’
My wife and I are both first-born in our family, which has led to some epic ‘disagreements’ in our marriage. I wish I could say they were all about important things, but they were often not. An example was a long-lasting argument about how the tape deck worked in our car. I was right (of course 😊), but I certainly wasn’t very happy.
While there may be something helpful in that original statement, I wonder if we are confusing happiness with the more meaningful fruit of the Spirit – joy.
Happiness suggests that we should pursue any action or response that will bring us the right ‘feeling.’ Jesus seems to lead us in a different direction. It appears that true ‘joy’ flows out of the relationship and loving obedience to the father and can exist regardless of circumstances. Jesus was able to receive and experience joy on the cross. Beyond the pain was the humiliation and accusations he had to endure, yet this was God’s plan for Jesus and ultimately fulfilling His reconciliation plan for you and me.
Joy is a gift from God in the midst of all life may bring at us and is a more important pursuit than happiness. Lord, help us to find true joy in you today!
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