Conditional Happiness or Unconditional Joy?

When I was in college, I lead a mini-devotion in which I had this phrase stuck in my mind for quite awhile. The phrase was do you want conditional happiness or unconditional joy. That phrase has been something that continues to pop up in my life and ministry. I have pondered over that phrase and it has brought to light some Scripture passages and what they teaches us about true joy.

1. Joy is NOT contingent upon circumstances
So easily does the sin of happiness mask itself within the circumstances that take place in our lives. We don't have to go very far to hear how awful a day has been due to circumstances. Circumstances are unpredictable, unreliable, and emotionally is a rollercoaster ride. So then why would we root so much of our joy in circumstances? I know that if I went to prison (for whatever reason--knock on wood), or were given a pink slip, or told that I had some sort of disease those circumstances DO NOT warrant joy. I would be angry, upset, which would be okay as these are fleshly reactions, but in no way should my joy be gone. If joy were contingent on circumstances explain this passage:

Hebrews 12:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How would one of the most gruesome ways to die be joyful? How is being shamed joyful? The circumstances do not sound joyful to me.

Philippians 1:18-23,25-26
"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain......Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

The circumstances do not give evidence for joy, yet because Paul's joy was not ROOTED or contingent on His circumstances but on something much greater (What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord) he was able to continue his ministry within the prison.

2. Joy is NOT contingent upon what we obtain
Another misconception is that I will find joy in what I have or obtain. Our world is centered on being consumers. I will be the first to tell you it is so cool to get new things. I love getting stuff in the mail: books, soccer jerseys, letters, new stuff, anything from amazon.com! Unfortunately alot of people put their happiness in obtaining or accumulating things. They surround themselves with things that they think will make them happy until that very thing wears off. I usually tell the youth that its similar to a video game that we all have to have and then it gets old. For more overarching view I use clothes or shoes as an example. We are all excited and happy then it wears off. The joy is fleeting, and unfulfilled. That is not the joy that is rooted in Jesus Christ, in fact the joy in Christ provides contentment

Hebrews 10:34-"You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

Philippians 4:10-13:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

One of the most abused verses in the Bible comes from 4:13 (or the last sentence-I can do everything through him who gives me strength). People think there is some sort of human effort or power to take on all circumstances. This verse does not indicate that. In fact its rooted in Paul rejoicing in Christ, and the Philippians concern for him. That he has learned to be content in all circumstances (in need or having plenty) because he has Jesus Christ, and that JOY in Christ is not contingent on possessions or lack there of. In fact he can endure anything that affects him because it is Christ who has already given him fullness and therefore strength to endure.

3. We will never find unconditional joy until we recognized that joy can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Christian theologian St. Augustine put it perfectly in his book "The Confessions", saying, "You made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its place of rest in You."

Ask yourself, where is your joy rooted? Could you read the Scripture passages like Phil. 1:18-26; 4:10-13 or Hebrews 10:34 and be able to still be joyful?

Be Blessed

Book Review: Suprised by Hope

I recently finished a book by N.T. Wright called "Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church." N.T. Wright is one of the foremost biblical scholars and a prolific author. This book provides a wealth of knowledge and true biblical understanding of what heaven is, how vital and important the resurrection is within biblical theology as well as the Kingdom of God. Wright forces us to ask the question: what happens when we die? Most give the natural assumption, I will die and go to heaven. But where are the biblical passages to support this? How can one reside in heaven if the full plan of redemption hasn't taken place: meaning the Second coming? He breaks the book down into 3 parts: Setting the Scene, God's Future Plan, and Hope in Practice. Wright investigates in Part I, resurrection, heaven, and misconceptions with biblical exegesis and care to context of key passages. He emphasizes the restoration of all things, NOT the replacement. Especially in regards to the body (as some have simply said they can't wait to leave this body and get into their spirit body). He focuses on a restoration of the believers body (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:52) and the earth (Rom. 8:22; Acts 3:21). He roots this within the Jewish OT, and how they perceived resurrection, and eschatology, then framing it within the NT narrative. As far as when this will happen Wright says,
"Some have supposed that we go immediately upon death into the resurrection state. I find that difficult, Paul says that if Christ is the first fruits, those who belong to him will be raised "at his coming: which clearly hasn't happened yet."

After he explains the resurrection, and some misunderstood passages he proceeds in Part 3 of the book into what the application of the resurrection is to the mission of the church. Explaining and discussing the meaning of salvation, how it fits, and the kingdom of God. Making a strong point that "the resurrection...is that the present bodily life is NOT valueless just because it will die." (pg 193) He makes it his duty to make sure believers dont just check out of this life because they simply want the next one! I heartily agree with Wright and found it absolutely refreshing to hear. This in part fits perfectly with the expansion of God's kingdom. Here's a perfect quote:

"He..[God] did not want to rescue humans from creation any more than he wanted to rescue Israel from the Gentiles. He wanted to rescue Israel in order that Israel might be a light to the Gentiles. and he wanted thereby to rescue humans in order that humans might be his rescuing stewards over creation." (pg. 202)

Finally Wright gives specifics for building for the kingdom focusing on justice, beauty, evangelism. Using specfics He closes the book with what the mind and mission of the church should be in regards to all that he has said throughout the book.

It is an excellent book, well written, has a bit of theology but application immediately with it and in no way is it heavy. If you want to know a biblical and proper response to the question of "where do I go when I die" and how the resurrection is important for the kingdom, and for the mission of the church read this book.

Be Blessed.