“As fellow Christians . . . we don’t bow down to the principles of the Bible because we must, but because we can’t help ourselves. The grace we have received in Christ . . . and the comfort and compassion that have helped us through difficult and dark seasons of life should motivate us to live differently than before.”- Randy Frazee
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”- Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
In Principle #6: Get on the Same Page with Your Community of The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee offers one quip about our human condition. We need one another, but we needle one another. Or, as Charles Schultz once wryly observed in his Peanuts comic strip: “I love mankind; it’s people I can’t stand.”
Consequently, Paul asked the Philippian Christians find common ground with one another. To think and love alike. And to be of one soul and of one mind. Because tension in the church community robs everyone of joy. Not just the people in conflict with one another. Called to something more, Christ followers must live distinctively different lives for the sake of others. We are to live in charity and love.
In conclusion, Rany cites neuro-theologian Dr. Jim Wilder. Dr. Wilder provides insight as to why Paul’s principles work to increase our joy. The doctor explains:
“We do not directly choose to be joyful any more than we can choose to have low blood pressure. The joy and blood pressure systems in the brain are not subject to direct choice. Joy levels are regulated indirectly through relationships. Increasing joy will involve improving our relational skill, training our brain, and getting involved in tightly bonded community.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses encourage you to live differently than before, to live a distinctively Christian life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The bad behavior of others”
