Greater Joy

I have a post it note above my desk that says 

“REMINDER: DON’T FORGET ANYTHING”. 

I put it there a couple years ago. It is surrounded by other, more actionable post it notes that actually contain helpful information. 

This might shock you, but I still forget things. That note is to0 broad and too big to be a helpful post it note. But it makes me laugh, so I keep it.

What would serve as a helpful checklist when it comes to our faith? An attempt might look something like this:

Attend church

Volunteer

Read devotional

Tithe

Etc.

Do these things make our joy full though? It can be frustrating if the answer is “no” because what then? If doing isn’t the answer? A productive, Western-oriented mindset prefers the concrete make-it-happen checklist. Jesus almost seems to affirm this “joy formula” (do this thing and then have joy) in John 15.

John 15:9-11 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now abide in my love.  If you keep my commands, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

If we keep His commands we will abide in His love and our joy may be full. It’s that simple? What is this command? 

John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. “

He then reiterates the command in verse 17 again, as to make sure we don’t miss it:

“This is my command: Love each other.”

The abiding love He speaks of is not formulaic. Jesus desires something greater for our life. Checklist items may be helpful tools in fulfilling the command, but they are not the command itself. 

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

New post it note item: 

“LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR MY FRIENDS”

Sounds a lot like my “don’t forget anything” reminder. Too big for a post it note. That’s the reality. This type of love cannot be contained in a box. This type of love is too great. 

Love great for greater joy.

Stay well & Go well.

Nate Burlingame