The Philippian church was especially beloved to Paul. Some of his tenderest thoughts were penned in the epistle to them. Among some of the “jewels” in this letter is his statement in 1:25-26: “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.”
From the size of the entertainment industry in America, one could conclude that we are in desperate need of happiness. We pay someone to make jokes, tell stories, perform dramatic actions and sing songs. We buy the vitality of another’s imagination to divert and enliven our own lives. But that kind of joy never changes our basic nature. The effects are extremely temporary — a few minutes, a few hours, a few days at most. When we run out of money, the happiness trickles away. Happiness cannot be commanded, purchased or arranged. We cannot make ourselves happy without help. No one’s life is going to be on a constant incline, but a life of a Christian should be one that is fundamentally happy. We should have “joy of faith.”
Over the next several posts, we will discuss some ways to enjoy happiness in this life. When Jesus said in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” He was speaking not only of abundant eternal life, but an abundant life here as well. If you would like to learn more, please contact us or be our guest at our next scheduled assembly.
Kyle Campbell
