Making it complete!

Is our JOY dependent on things always going our own way? Is the JOY of our life linked to our own popularity and receiving the attention for works well done? Or can we experience a great sense of JOY even when the focus is directed elsewhere?

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was a passionate proclaimer of the need for repentance and a diligent director toward the One to come after him Who was truly before him. ( John 1:15 & 30) John was a faithful servant of God with regard to the task given him.

After Jesus began His ministry, a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew with regard to purification. These came to John and pointed out that Jesus was baptizing -- though John’s Gospel informs us that it was actually Jesus’ disciples doing the baptizing ( John 4:1-2) -- and that everyone was going over to Him. ( John 3:25-26) Perhaps John’s disciples were saddened by the sight of him losing his following. However, John was clear regarding his purpose ( John 3:27-30) and his JOY did not depend on himself remaining the center of attention.

John’s higher focus was revealed when he stated…
“(28) You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. (29) The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore THIS JOY OF MINE IS NOW COMPLETE. (30) He must increase, but I must decrease.” ( John 3:28-30 ESV)

If we make life all about ourselves we will most likely struggle with sustaining a sense of JOY. On the other hand, to maintain a proper sense of our purpose and how it relates to the overall plan of God we will find it easy to be filled with JOY over the accomplishments of others and that God is ultimately receiving the glory and honor. Seeing the fruit of the working of God’s purposes in this world should make our JOY COMPLETE as it did for John.

Paul also noted the idea of what comes about when there is a proper focus on others and what we share in Christ together. He wrote…

“(1) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, (2) COMPLETE MY JOY by being of the SAME MIND, having the SAME LOVE, being IN FULL ACCORD AND OF ONE MIND.” ( Philippians 2:1-2 ESV)

Though Paul was writing from prison, he could still experience such great JOY at the sight of the unity of those among whom he had labored. May we also find the COMPLETE JOY that comes through focusing on our unity with Christ and in fulfilling His Divine purposes and Will. As long as we live with a view on Christ and the powerful working of His Gospel in this world, we can be brought to a sense of JOY that cannot be taken away. (i.e. John 16:22) Let us continually seek that right relationship with Christ and with one another so that such JOY will be our life experience now and for eternity.

Have a great day OF DIVINELY DIRECTED DELIGHT!
Carl

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