“When we are grumpy . . . we snag [people’s] joy away from them. When we live like Jesus, it lifts the spirits of everyone within striking distance of our presence, including ourselves. Paul invited the Philippian church and us to join him in this constellation of gladness.”- Randy Frazee
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
Randy Frazee concludes Principle #8 of The Joy Challenge as he counsels that our speech, body language, and attitude needs to bear a family resemblance to God Himself. Because He calls us His children. So, in essence, Paul calls us to live up to our identity as sons and daughters of God. For that’s who we are.
Yet, Randy observes, many of us seem to exist quite far from living the joyful lives that the apostle Paul calls us to live. Consequently, it’s far too easy for us to fall into the negativity trap. Above all, if left unchecked, we find ourselves stuck there often.
Therefore, Randy issues this joy challenge:
“It takes vision and intentionality to stop being a grouch. You’ve got to own it. . . . If we leave our lives unattended, that’s exactly where we will end up, and, believe me, there is no joy at this address. Paul laid out the vision that we would resemble our spiritual brother and Savior, Jesus. We must say to our hearts every day, ‘This is who I want to become.’ . . .
This vision must be coupled with intentionality. We must intend to work toward our vision. From intent we must identify the means to get there.”
Above all, Randy notes, a span of time, however small, exists between our initial surges and our corresponding actions. Things come at you every day. At any given moment, you have a split second to decide to:
- give in to your natural tendencies toward grumpiness, or —
- pause and evaluate what’s really going on before you respond.
Today’s question: What keeps you from accepting Paul’s invitation to join him in this constellation of joy? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Wonderful access point to joy”