No Greater Joy

"It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth,

telling how you continue to walk in it.

I have no greater joy than to hear

that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 3-4

The varied song of a mockingbird.

A brightly colored sunset lighting up the morning sky.

The first glimpse of a newly born child.

Dew drops glimmering as the sun reveals their presence on a velvety rose petal.

A good book, a rocking chair and a dry porch on a rainy day.

These are some of the things that bring me joy.  I'm sure John enjoyed similar experiences, but to him, there was nothing more joyous than when he saw how those he mentored had put the Word of God into action.  

This delight in witnessing obedience in those we love reflects the heart of our Father.  Why does obedience bring such joy?

Value God

I didn't used to value my body when I was younger.  Instead, I took it for granted, using it to accomplish my heart's desire and assuming it would always be ready to go.  As I get older and have experienced some of the wearing out that comes with age, I appreciate how fragile the human body is.  I've grown to understand that I can't rely on it as an infallible machine but that it needs tender loving care.  Consequently, I take my physical condition a bit more seriously, cherishing the good health God has blessed me with.

In the same way that I didn't truly appreciate the health I'd been given, I also don't always value God enough to take Him and His Word seriously.  As I grow closer to Him, I am learning that every phrase that is recorded in the Bible was written for a purpose.  If it's there, it is important and I should pay attention, letting it change me.  

Therefore, when I forgive as I have been forgiven, or return wrath with a gentle word, or pray for those who are out to get me, my Father rejoices.  He loves to see me treasure His Word enough to do what He says.

Obedience brings joy because it reveals what is important to me.

Love God

I stood before the group of 50 Middle School students.  Trying hard not to revert to those insecure times, I told myself to smile and look approachable.  Some of the children responded in kind, while others talked and snickered, whispering secrets behind their hands.  Suddenly a voice broke through the din and garnered the students' attention.  "Children, this is my wife, Mrs. Boose.  While she is here, I expect you to show her respect.  If she has a problem with anyone, you will answer to me."

I had never felt more loved than when my husband stood up for me like that.  He didn't just say he loved me, but he showed it by coming to my rescue.  In a similar way, I can say I love God all I want, but only obedience to His commands are the evidence of that devotion.

I can say I love God, but if I don't love others, that profession is insincere.  I can make a pronouncement from the rooftops of my love for my Lord, but if I constantly find myself getting into arguments with others, that declaration is anything but genuine.  I can plaster my car with bumper stickers that proclaim my love for my Savior, but if I fail to help a brother or sister in need I must question the validity of that love.

Obedience brings joy because it is the tangible evidence of my love for God.

Trust God

"Oh yeah.  I can do that!"  I heard the arrogant young man proclaim as he watched his friends dive from the top of the bungee jump platform.  The attendants started to hook him up to the harness when the once cocky fellow turned into a trembling pile of nerves.  "Oh, I'll do it another time.  Ummm. . . I'm not ready to take the plunge."

It's one thing to say I trust God, and another thing entirely to have enough faith to actually do what He says.  I'm kind of like the kid talking big until it came time to jump when I declare my faith in God but fail to follow through.

I can say I believe God can move mountains, but it won't mean a thing if I worry about tomorrow.  I can say God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble, but my words will fall flat if I spend my life trying to fix my own problems.  I can say God is my all in all, but if I spend more time pursuing worldly success than I do in learning about Him, then I don't trust Him as much as I think.

Obedience brings joy because it is the true test of my faith in God.

There are many things that bring a smile to my face, but nothing more readily than when I see my daughters taking my advice.  On a grander scale, my obedience also pleases God because it shows I value, love and trust Him.  To Him, there is no greater joy than my submission to His Word.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can show how much I love God instead of just saying it.

When do I let other things, people or pursuits move up the value scale above the Lord?

How do I fail to trust God in my actions? 

Victory!

"Everyone who believes that 

Jesus is the Christ is born of God,

and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

This is how we know that we love the children of God:

by loving God and carrying out his commands.

In fact,

this is love for God:

to keep his commands.

And his commands are not burdensome,

for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world,

even our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world?

Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 John 5:1-5

The music swells as the winner takes his victory lap.  The crowds cheer as a feeling of accomplishment and pride sweeps over him.  "I did it!  All my hard work paid off!  I did it!"  And the screen fades black. . . 

We love a good story of triumph, especially if it is the weak overcoming a difficult obstacle in order to end up on top.  When I think of victory, I picture a knight on a white horse riding victorious before his conquered foes.  In God's kingdom, however, the victory spoken of in Scripture is not about elevating me, but placing me in my intended position as a child of the One True God.  Victory in Christ is different from victory in the world.

Love God

From time to time I like to think about what it would be like to win the Lottery or some other windfall of wealth.  I make a mental list of what I would buy, who I would help and how I could invest.  Mostly, though, I think about how I could please myself.  I have to admit, I am still lord of my own life in many ways and it's me I'm mostly concerned with satisfying.

As one who has been saved by the blood of Jesus from the shackles that used to bind me to my sinful, self-centered ways, I have victory over the world and it's pull.  That old woman, so to speak, has been put to death and in her place exists a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) My new self in Christ desires to love God with all my heart, mind and strength.  

Unfortunately, even though my old tendencies have been nailed to the cross, they feel comfortable, like a worn pair of shoes.  It's easy for me to forget who I am in Christ and slip back into that old identity where I am most important.  In order to love God in the way I was intended to adore Him, then, I must constantly remind myself of my identity in Christ:  I am His precious child who was bought at a price and is loved beyond measure.  (1 John 3:1, 1 Corinthians 6:20)

My victory in Christ is that I have overcome the world and am empowered to love God as His child.

Love Children

Stepping into the foyer I heard her voice and cringed.  There was something about that woman that got under my skin.  Maybe it was her need to control every situation, or in the way she stood so close when talking to someone.  Whatever it was, this much was clear:  I tolerated this woman for the sake of peace but I wouldn't choose her as a friend.  

As a child of God through faith in Christ, however, my calling is much higher than mere tolerance.  Once again, my old sinful self rears it's ugly head when I am faced with a brother or sister in Christ who rubs me the wrong way.  

If I were to remember who I am: a once-hopeless sinner headed to eternal death until my Savior plucked me from my destructive path and placed me on the road that leads to life, then the love of God would compel me to actively show compassion to her.

I am a sinner saved by grace who is equally as irritating as this sister.  When I embrace who I am in Christ, my old sin nature fades away and my new creation in Christ rises to the challenge.  Love then rules.

My victory in Christ is that I have overcome the world so that I can love the children of God.

Love His Commands

The standards of the medical program were high: One mistake and a student would be ejected.  Sometimes the pressure got to the students and they would break a rule, flunk a test or fail a trial procedure in order to be released from their commitment.  The yoke of medical school is heavy.

Jesus said His yoke, however, is easy and His burden is light.  (Matthew 11:30)  When I fall back into my natural state of mind, however, I think I must follow rules, perform well and stick to the standards kind of like I'm that student in medical school.  When I remember who I am in Christ: a sinner who is incapable of meeting God's expectations, then I find myself desiring to do as God has commanded. (Romans 3:23,Philippians 2:13)

Instead of saying "it's okay" out of obligation when someone hurts me, I find God leading me toward a forgiving spirit that longs to reconcile broken relationships.  While my sinful self wants recognition for what I've done, God's love humbles me so I will desire His glory above my own.  When my sin nature tends to hoard money, possessions and time for myself, the love of God gives me a generous spirit.

My victory in Christ is that I have overcome the world so that I can love God's commands.

I view my role as conqueror as that of a self-elevated position where I am standing on a mountaintop, victorious for all to see.  In God's kingdom, however, my victory in Christ over the world is so that I can love God, His children and His commands.  In this way I have a victory that lifts God up high where He belongs.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember who I am in Christ so that I can be placed in my intended position as a child of God.

When do I love myself more than God?  

How do I love my sinful ways more than God's ways?