I'm pretty sure I could do a series on this week's topic a la Johndrow...
God has opened my eyes to so many things and changed my stance on a wide range of topics, so just picking one is a very difficult task. I think that's more a testimony to His love than how screwed up I really was in my thinking at one time, but I accept the latter as a hard fact also.
During my dark period of aimless spiritual wondering, I would often look back at the sanitized life I had tried to live as a young Christian and sneered at the ridiculousness and absurdity. Why would anyone deny themselves fun and pleasure based on an otherworldly promise/commitment that has no concrete merit?
My image of the Christian lifestyle more resembled that of monks than anything containing mirth. I was convinced that serving God required a life completely void of good times...at least the way I defined good times.
Maybe I was using that view as a defense mechanism to justify my own deviant behaviors. Could be. One thing is absolutely clear to me today though, what I considered fun and entertaining was nothing more than a destructive mirage destined to fast track me to the life hereafter. Thank God my eyes were opened!
Happiness is a state of mind that many believe has a positive residual effect on the body. Now I don't know about all that New Age mumbo-jumbo and exactly how literal said symbiotic relationship may or may not be, but I do believe the peace and joy that I discovered in my life at my revival ultimately helped me beat and survive cancer. That credit goes to God though. The lack of fear and anxiety that comes from knowing that God is in control and that living/dying is a win/win scenario because of His grace and love...well...that beats the absolute best drunken party I've ever attended. At least what I can remember...
I usually don't have a problem saying I'm wrong because I've had so much practice doing it. Wow was I wrong in my attitude on being a lover of God and having a good time! Fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ almost always results in a laugh or two...just ask my fellow Kingdom Blogger David Johndrow. We're constantly exchanging text messages and Facebook comments in good fun. I look forward to any chance of being in the company of my church family for the same reason.
Having a good time in Christ here in this world, however, doesn't come close to the eternal celebration that's coming. While some may enjoy laughing all the way to the bank...I'll stick to laughing all the way to Glory. You're more than welcome to come along! I promise we'll have a great time.
3 comments:
Thank God you've gotten enough sleep since yesterday and are not writing on breast feeding - or worse over here. (Apparently you are from the Hooters-Generation which was after my time). My mother would have washed my mouth out with soap for using some of those terms - but I digress - read TonyCToday.com for details.
I was thinking, even a bad father can probably laugh at a joke. God, now he's a good father. And good father's love their kids in spite of their behavior. God never washed his hands of us. He sent his son to die on a cross so that we could be with him for eternity. That is serious.
Once we are saved, the serious part is over. We are taken from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. Our relationship with God is just like the one you and I have with our kids. We enjoy them, laugh with them, discipline them, give them sugar when mommy is not looking, put them to bed, enforce the rules, communicate wit them about their needs and wants, we influence their relationships with others, and we are hurt by some of their decisions.
Parenting has many facets, and laughter is certainly one of them.
Amen, looking forward to laughing all the way to Glory with you. I count all things as loss for the exellency of knowing my saviour. Great post.
I just also want to thank you for visiting my blog and your gracious comment;to God be the glory. Have a blessed week!
I can say ditto to your comment: "I usually don't have a problem saying I'm wrong because I've had so much practice doing it."
So glad that we're on this road to glory together in Him.
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