[443 words]
Everyone wants to enjoy life more. Advertisements bombard us with “just buy this” or “just go there” or “just do that” and you will be happier. But we must realize that God already has a plan in place for greater joy of life.
In Acts chapter 2, we read of people becoming Christians and having lives of great joy. As they went about living their daily lives, we notice that they conducted them, “with gladness and simplicity of heart” (v.46). Now, of course, we understand this was primarily a response to them obeying the gospel and knowing that Jesus Christ had washed away all past sin (v.38-41).
But I also believe that verse 42 reveals four things that they were doing that continued to bring great meaning and joy to their lives. Do you want greater joy in your life? Then concentrate on these and see what happens:
Prayer. One thing the verse reveals is that they continued steadfastly in prayer. Prayer can bring great joy to life, because it helps keep us in connection with the One who saved us. We actually get to talk to God! How exciting! When we realize the close relationship we have with God, then nothing of this earth can diminish our joy in Him.
Study. We see from this verse that the first Christians also continued in the apostles’ doctrine. This means that they took the words they were taught to heart. They were very serious about understanding God’s will and living it. The same should be true of us. The deeper we mine into the great treasures found in the Scriptures, the more joy and peace of life we will discover.
Fellowship. The passage also reveals that fellowship was something they continued steadfastly in. They learned that association with the brethren strengthened them, encouraged them, and brought them great joy (see also v.44-46). We, too, will find great satisfaction and edification in life when we regularly associate with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Service. Finally, this verse mentions that they continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. While I understand this is primarily with worship in mind, our worship is service and I believe we can include all areas of service under this category. They realized that serving God and serving others in His name brought joy beyond compare. Truly, when we learn to focus on service and serving others, we will find incredible satisfaction and delight in life.
Give these four a try and increase them more and more and see what happens. I think you will find a life that is “with gladness and simplicity of heart.”
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY