Attitudes: JOY

1Thess. 5:16-18

SUBJECT: Healthy Christian Attitudes

THEME: As Christians our attitudes, motives, and behaviors are vitally important. The most important is our attitude towards God as we anticipate our Lord’s return.

Technically an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitude has also been defined as “the position or posture assumed by the body in connection with an action, feeling, mood, etc.” Basically, our attitude towards something is the way we think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way we behave.

Our behavior reflects our attitudes toward the Lord! Positive changes start with solid applications of biblical truth to our beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. As Believers we need to be changed and transformed by the Word and Grace of God from the inside out. In addition, our attitudes can be stimulated for good! The reality that Christ is coming encourages us to cultivate healthy attitudes and behaviors! If the Christian really believes Christ is coming for us in the Rapture, it will radically change our attitudes and lifestyle.

I remember going to Air Force basis training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  We had been there for about two days at the time and we were told to prepare for our very first “Shakedown Inspections” by the Mid-Level Training Supervisors, a Master Sargent, and he had an entire team of loud obnoxious Training Instructors to assist him. 

Well the purpose of this inspection was to discover any illegal substances, fire arms, other weapons, and any other unauthorized materials (pictures of family, friends, girlfriend ect). Of course, this 'once-over' proved to be embarrassing, intimidating, and nerve wracking to say the least. The training instructors barked orders at us to prepare for the inspection by opening our personal belongings and wall lockers. We really didn’t know what they wanted to see, and we had no clue as to how to “pass” the inspection. Though we were oblivious of the standards or criteria, we still made every effort possible to prepare for the coming of the “Training Supervisor.” The energy in both bays was off the charts, and the fear in the rooms was so thick you could not have cut it with a chainsaw! We had never met this mid-level supervisor, and we desperately wanted to pass this inspection without being singled out and publicly humiliated for a failure. In other words since we knew full well that he was coming, we made some real adjustments to prepare to meet him.  

So, should it be with the life of the Christian who truly anticipates our Lord’s return. His coming should have a stimulating impact on our attitudes and behavior!

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER? What attitudes should we desire and cultivate? (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

The first three attitudes that follow seem to relate particularly to the Lord God, our Heavenly Father. The attitudes are joy, trust (prayer), and thanks and all three relate directly to our relationship with God. Our joy is in Him and from Him. Our prayers are directed to Him as our Provider, and we offer our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to God!

CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF JOY  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Rejoicing always and in everything is intentionally developing the attitude of joy! Rejoicing refers to a positive human condition that can be either a feeling or action. As an action, rejoicing entails enjoying a state of happiness and well-being—to rejoice, to express gladness. Yes, rejoicing is an action and not merely a feeling. Believers are instructed in the Word to "rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. 3:1), we are further encouraged to proceed "rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12), and "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). Repeatedly, the Lord prescribes the development of an attitude of joy through practicing joyful expressions. Beloved, we must take initiative to experience joy. Our part is to obey, and God will work by His Spirit deep within the Christian's spirit and heart to help us realize real joy. God's people should be distinguished by this incredible quality of joyfulness. Clearly, this will look different in each life influenced by our temperament and personality. Never-the-less we all should be marked by joyful expressions and form of exuberance authentic to our unique temperament.

God impresses you and me to rejoice "evermore." It means to show joy always, at all times, and on all occasions. For the duration of time and with reference to a series of occasions, God calls upon us to rejoice. Joy can be the constant experience of the Believer, even in the most adverse circumstances. While this is not true of happiness it is possible with spiritual joy. Certainly, there will be times to weep, times of sadness, and periods of dark feelings, but the overall character of the believer should be joyfulness. The following three reasons expand upon why we can keep on rejoicing regardless!

First, Rejoice because Christ is Our Source of Joy. We can rejoice always and, in all things, because the source of our joy is a constant unchanging and all-sufficient origin. It is the "joy of the Lord" that strengthens us and empowers holy resilience. We can continually rejoice because He always supplies all we need as we need it and whatever we need. Joy comes from a supernatural source—God himself and it is supernaturally sustained in our experiences. Transcendental and mystical are reasonable descriptions of the divine source; joy is made available through our faith and dependence upon the Lord for it. As certainly as the Lord resources our sun and a trillion billion stars in millions of galaxies He can resource you and me. You can rejoice in this!

Secondly, Rejoice because Christ is Our Subject of Joy. We can perceive what is involved in rejoicing evermore by focusing on the Lord. My heart has been rescued from downcast feelings and thoughts by refocusing my thoughts on the Lord Jesus. Thinking about Him stirs joy deep within. Reflecting on His compassion, mercy, and love gives rise to comfort, assurance, and security in the deepest centers of my soul. Meditating on His patience, wisdom, and courage awakens persistence, confidence, and peace in my heart—again I am helped! Beloved, concentrate your thoughts on Calvary, the empty tomb, your resurrected Savior, the ascended Christ, the enthroned and powerful Lord, our all-glorious Advocate, our compassionate High Priest, and the coming King of kings and Lord of lords! Remember Jesus saved you, forgave you, brought you into the family of God and gave you his blessed Holy Spirit. Heaven and forever with the Lord is your eternal reality. Beloved, shout for joy! Let it rise from the depth of your ever-deepening conviction that you have many reasons to rejoice in the Lord. O’ the impact of Christ on our inner life is reason to rejoice evermore!

Thirdly, Rejoice because Christ is Our Sovereign—He is wonderfully in control of my circumstances! No one else and nothing else occupies the throne of the entire universe! God alone rules forever on high; He is supremely in control. Our role is to trust this truth and be glad in the Lord God. Notice how David and Paul say this, "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart" (Ps 32:11). Why not join David and shout for joy? Why??? You and I are not subject to chance, lucky stars, fate, or horoscopes. God is managing our affairs with love, grace, wisdom, power, and this is far more meaningful than impersonal forces randomly impacting our lives! Since your confidence and trust is indeed in the Lord "rejoice" and "shout for joy"! "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." (Ps 5:11) Express your love for the Lord Jesus by rejoicing in Him. Envelop yourself in His defense strategies first and foremost; rejoice in the impeccable security Jehovah affords. Once again the Apostle Paul said it perfectly, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4). 

When we keep our minds and hearts upon the truth that Christ controls our circumstances, then we can’t help but rejoice. With the Lord on the throne, everything will ultimately be alright. He does all things well; He rules with wisdom, power, and love. He is our Sovereign, Source and Subject of Joy; therefore, keep rejoicing as you go!