Joy To The World…
John 17:12-14 (New Living Translation)
12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. 13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
Today I went to Walmart to buy my daughter some turkey (imagine a turkey eating turkey; I am just joking my daughter is a beautiful, intelligent, caring, young woman, whom I am extremely proud of) as I waited to be served I witness an encounter between a male customer and a young lady that was trying to assist him. She asked how he would like his meat cut, and he responded on a one, she proceeded to slice the first few slices and gave him one for inspection. He leaned over the counter and proceeded to chastise her, asking was she sure that the cutter was on one, because where he was from this did not look like a one and that a one was almost shaved, she tried to hold her composure, and explain that the machine was about below a one, but he continued to degrade her. I stood there in utter disbelief that someone could be this nasty, this close to Christmas, and especially over some meat. The words to Joy to the World floated in my mind; Joy to the world the Lord has come.” That was the problem, in that moment it hit me, that there was no joy, because Jesus for that man had not come.
No I am not saying I know this man personally and know whether or not he has a relationship with Christ or not, but the Bible says in Matthew 7:20, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Joy is a fruit of the spirit (see Galatians 5:22). When Jesus comes into our life there should be some changes that become evident, and there should be things within us that are being cultivated, one of those things should be the fruits of the spirit, and expressly Joy. When we have received Jesus as king we usually make the decision to allow Him to come in and become a part of our lives, a major part. When He comes into our lives it is then that our joy can become complete and that we have the ability to find joy, in most things, even in the midst of test and trials. We learn to focus on God and all that has been bestowed upon us. When I was ill, the one thing I focused on most was, number one things could be so much worst…but God and secondly every time my child came in to check on me and sat and talked with me, it ministered to me, and allowed me to feel the joy and love of God. As I watched this encounter unfold today I was determined to do something to impact that young lady’s day. When it was my turn, as she said “may I help you?” I smile brightly and said hello and asked her how she was. I said please and thank you, and when I asked for an item I did not see, I said it with gentleness and kindness in my voice and in the expression on my face. As she looked for the item, I saw her get a bit frustrated, and told her not to worry, I did not want to tax her and that I understood. Her response was no ma’am, I just saw it I will find it for you. What a difference an attitude of Joy can make in someone’s day. It can determine how they respond and even how they will view the remainder of their day. It is our job to represent Christ well. We should add to people’s life a sense of hope, joy, peace and love, whenever possible, not to destroy them and make them miserable.
Has your behavior brought Joy or misery to people this holiday season or for that matter in any season? Have we exhibited the fruits of the spirit and carried the name of Jesus, well? Have you brought the Joy of the Lord to assist in renewing people’s hope and strength or have you added to their issues? If Christ has come in unto us, His Joy should have as well and it should be the one thing that we are benevolently presenting to the world on God’s behalf. We should be bringing God to the world through the exhibition of Christ love and lifestyle. You should be the Joy that comes to the world and allows them to see that Jesus is alive and well and living inside of us!
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