Who do you really worship?

I read a compelling statement today about the American evangelical church that humbled me greatly. I thought it was worthy of sharing, but also I encourage you, if you are humbled as well, to examine your heart before the God revealed in Scripture. Personally speaking, I need to examine the reality and severity of being a Christian.

We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with. A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to foresake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream...We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church building to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshipping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshipping ourselves. David Platt

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That my joy may be in you...

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."  John 15:11

It's positively amazing to understand what joy means in the passage of John! It’s also depressingly amazing how this passage is misinterpreted and often taken out of context in the prosperity gospel messages throughout America. I’ve heard my share of teachers say, "Jesus just wants you to be happy!" It certainly aligns with the American constitutional philosophy, “the pursuit of happiness.”  But is this what Jesus really meant?

"That your joy may be full…"

The original greek word for joy in this sentence is χαρά (Chara) which means delight. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, delight means :

• a high degree of gratification
• joy
• extreme satisfaction

More than a feeling of happiness, this passage in John talks about an extreme/divine satisfaction that originates from Christ Himself!

"That my joy may be in you…”

Christ essentially said that He wants His extreme satisfaction to be in us and He wants our extreme satisfaction to be full. So if you are like me, and find yourself downcast, stressed, worried, or doubtful, simply remember the words written long ago. Words that testify to Christ giving His people--not only salvation, but also an extreme, divine and overflowing satisfaction for all circumstances! Paul talks a lot about this in Philippians.

It’s important to remind ourselves we not only have access to the fruits of the spirit, but we also posses them daily– a gift from Christ to you, to help you persevere and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Through Christ, we’ve been given an understanding of joy, not only an emotional joy, but also an extreme form of gratification.

So no matter how hopeless your situation might “feel/appear" like, the reality of Christ-like joy tells us we have satisfaction right now, and we have plentiful gratification. Even death itself becomes a grateful reward for us who long to see Christ Jesus face to face. To God be the glory. And may your day be filled with JOY!