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Enjoy

I am afraid that people outside the church don't realize that Christians are allowed to enjoy life. They probably think we are a group of people scared into submission by the rules of religion, living by a code of "thou shalt not's" that only exist to keep us from having any fun.

Those outside the church probably think that way because of those inside the church. Too many Christians seem to operate from that idea that God is a cosmic killjoy who wants us all to be miserable. If we like it, He says don't do it. Life is not meant to be enjoyed, only endured. Since Christians seem to believe this myth, it is passed on to those who are unbelievers. And that isn't a very good advertisement of our faith, or the kind of God we serve.

Did you know the Bible speaks of us enjoying life? In 1 Timothy 6:17 Paul wrote these words: "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."

Enjoy.

Did you catch that word? God richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 

Life is meant to be enjoyed, and we can enjoy it because the Creator has surrounded us with enjoyable things: shining constellations of stars in the night sky, planets observable off in the distance, fragrant flowers, the animal kingdom, snowcapped mountains, oceans and beaches, and a million other things, each of which is intended to bring a smile across our face. Just because we may have gotten used to seeing these things doesn't change the fact that they are a gift from God.

He has also given us people to enjoy life with: friends and family, and our brothers and sisters in the church around the world. Most importantly, He has given us the very life we are discussing. 

Whenever something brings you joy, stop and thank the Lord who has given it to you. When you express joy, you advertise to the world that yours is a God of joy, who wants us to enjoy all the little things in life that He has richly blessed us with. 

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