Happy in Jesus Christ

By: Blair Wright

Colossians 3:23-25; 4:2-6

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, Knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord You serve the Lord Christ For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done and there is no favoritism
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah for which I am in prison sot that I may reveal it as I am required to speak Act wisely toward outsiders making the most of time Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person

I. If you’re happy and you know it Say Amen

I don’t know if any of you know the gospel version of “If you’re happy and you know it” but I woke up singing that song today and it led me to this scripture. We are all destined with purpose and the tasks placed in our lives serve as tools for our growth in Christ. Whether big or small Paul states we should do it enthusiastically. A lot of times Christians fail to implement diligence in all of our tasks. We lackadaisically do our school work, we give half efforts on our jobs, we don’t try in our relationships, etc. Our actions should always be a reflection of Christ’s greatness. No task should be thought of as done for man. I know we wouldn’t want to give Christ anything less than the best so let us press to “In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

God has promised us an inheritance. Hebrews 9:15 says “Therefore, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” He died so that we may live, the least we can do is follow the commandments he has placed for us.

Waste not your time on those that do us wrong because the Lord promised that your enemies will be your footstools and will be paid back for their wrongdoing. I don’t know who better to have your back than God.

II. It’s Time for Prayer

In all of this we must remember to devote ourselves in prayer. Communication with the father is immensely important in this walk. The Bible is a great teacher of what we should do but to avoid incorrect interpretations of what is meant by the Word we must establish a relationship with God so that we may have access to revelations about our specific lives. It is through prayer that God speaks with us and guides us in the right direction (See Matthew 6:5-13 about Prayer). And do your prayers in thanksgiving he has already promised that if we asked in his name he will do it so that the Father will be glorified (John 14:13-14) so we should have instantaneous gratitude in advance for the blessings in store.

A lot of times we are selfish prayers but this scripture mandates us to pray for all those who are spreading the Gospel of Christ. We must keep everyone uplifted in prayer because we are all part of the Body of Christ. If one part is hurt we are all hurt. God did not mandate for us all to like each other but we must Love everyone with the Love of Christ. Pray as hard for your enemies as you do for your friends because through unity there will be a strong force of God breaking down barriers and leading souls to Christ.

III. Walk in Wisdom

Let Christ’s light shine through you. Think before you speak so as to not guide someone astray. This is where that strengthened relationship with God will immensely help you. God will send you the words to say so that you won’t lead his people down the wrong path. Through studying your Word and talking with God you will be able to walk in wisdom.” Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” Since we are the salt of the earth, our actions must reflect our words. So we must be gracious in well doing so that we may spread the Love of Christ throughout our earthly lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for sending your son to die for our transgressions. I pray that we will walk in wisdom spreading the Love you have for through everyone we have contact with. I pray for strengthened relationships with you so that the revelations that you have for our lives will be manifested in our decisions and actions. Thank you for this unconditional love that you have for us even as we fail you and don’t do as we should. I pray that you see a change in us that we may go about being “happy in Jesus” doing everything enthusiastically and in thanksgiving. This and all things I ask in your precious name.

Amen