Workers for Your Joy
1:24 "Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm."
Paul wants to make it very clear. He is not interested in forced conformity. "We are not trying to lord it over you, we are trying to help you, to encourage you in your faith, to incite joy, not merely outward obedience."
Phil.1:25 "I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith."
Are our efforts likewise working to instill in others a joy in Jesus Christ? Are we striving to help them grow into Christians who overflow with the vitality of Christ? Do we make His yoke look easy? (Matt.11:30) Do we make His news seem good? (It IS good news, you know.) Do we make His burden seem light (Matt.11:30) and His commandments not burdensome (1Jn.5:3)?
The first tool God gives us to stir up the joy of Christ in others is our own joy. Joy sends the signal that we have a wonderful God. And joy is contagious. Stern men don’t produce joy in others (except when they go away).
"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life." (2Cor.2:15-16)
Is this the way our fellow Christians think of us? Would they say, "That Christian is a fragrance of life to me!"? Would they say, "That person is working for my joy!"? (Of course, there are times when working for someone’s joy doesn’t taste like joy to them.)
Paul praises his friend Philemon with these words: “The hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” (Phm.7) O may the same be said of us!
Forgive me, Lord, for all the times and ways that my life and ministry have made Christ look sour and stern. Make my life a reflection of the joy of Christ. And help me to refresh the souls of Your beloved people with the good news of Your forgiving and renewing grace. Use my life to lift up to You a joyful melody of praise that strengthens the souls of Your beloved people.