When we see the act of rejoicing as a spiritual shield against the threats to our spiritual livelihood, this naturally raises a question: what threats does rejoicing guard us against?
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“Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same thing to you is not troublesome to me, and it is for you a safeguard.” (Philippians 3:1)
We often think that rejoicing is a response to something amazing or miraculous. Rejoicing is an exuding of praise, the expression of exultation done in thanksgiving. Rejoicing is spontaneous, arising from a heart that explodes in wonder for the good in our lives. Rejoicing, therefore, is an external manifestation of our internal satisfaction.
But is this all that rejoicing is? Is rejoicing nothing more than an automatic response to that which is good and pleasing? Not according to St. Paul. According to Paul, rejoicing isn’t just an expression of positivity or praise. It is also a “safeguard” for our faith. Rejoicing acts as a shield against the threats to our walk with God. This is why Christians are called to in times of difficulty or struggle. Rejoicing is a necessary spiritual act for all those who wish to live authentic Christian lives.
Of course, when we see the act of rejoicing as a spiritual shield against the threats to our spiritual livelihood, this naturally raises a question: what threats does rejoicing guard us against?
Rejoicing protects us from the threat of idolatry.
The biggest threat to our spiritual life is the supplanting of God in favor of other things. This is the definition of Idolatry. Idolatry simply means we worship something other than the Lord. This was the temptation we saw in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit for they believed that the fruit would provide something for them that God could not, or would not, provide. In that moment, their faithful allegiance was turned away from Godly obedience, and toward the maximization of their own pleasures.
This temptation is played out throughout scripture. As Israel wandered through the Exodus, they were continually tempted to adopt the worship practices of other nations. Similarly, Paul often preached in cities filled with idols and pagan temples. Famously, in Athens, Paul said “I even found a statue to an unknown God” (Acts 17:23) Amid a polytheistic world, and against the urge to find a synergy between religions, Paul maintained the unique Lordship of Jesus Christ. His message was that “there is no other name under heaven by which we might be saved” (Acts 4:12).
So, how does rejoicing guard against idolatry? Simply, rejoicing unites us to Jesus. Paul writes “Rejoice in the Lord.” Rejoicing is not a non-descript act of positivity or joy, it is a conscious act of exalting the Lordship of Christ. We hold Jesus before us, and we offer him our praise and our thanks. In Jesus, we recognize the fullness of redemption, love, and grace. Rejoicing, therefore, is a response to the gift of redemption, revealed in Jesus. Thus, through consistent rejoicing, we guard against being swayed by the spiritual claims of idols because rejoicing in the Lord ensures that our vision is perpetually on Christ alone, and in his light, all idols are but pale imitations.
Rejoicing protects us from the threat of pride.
Like the threat of idolatry, the threat of pride looms large. Pride is just a veiled version of idolatry because when we are prideful, we are praising and exulting ourselves. Pride causes us to believe that our accomplishments merit divine favor. We believe that we have earned our salvation based solely on our good works.
Sadly, this threat still exists in the church. Some believe that heightened religious observance sways God in our favor. If one “prays correctly” or attends the “right” church, then God’s blessing will be unlocked in their life. Others believe that a heredity of church attendance is what merits divine favor. If we can link our spiritual life to influential people of the past, then God will have no choice but to bless us.
The early Christians faced similar threats. Paul frequently contrasted his message with that of the “super-apostles” who based their preaching on the largeness of their following and the greatness of their public accolades. Paul, however, refuses to do so, acknowledging that “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing wealth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Paul understood that he could not create his redemption and that the accolades and accomplishments of his Pharisaic life were “rubbish” when it came to salvation and the forgiveness of sins.
Rejoicing demands that we see ourselves rightly. Yes, rejoicing recognizes that we are beloved children of God, people of value and worth; but rejoicing also calls us to be humble before our Lord. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift” (Romans 3:23-24). We rejoice because the forgiveness we can never earn, and the new life we can never claim for ourselves, are gifted to us in Jesus Christ. Thus, rejoicing involves a bowing of ourselves before the greatness of Christ.
Rejoicing protects us from the threat of hopelessness.
The struggles and discouragement of life can easily distract us from Christ’s presence. Even if we live stalwart lives, in humility and faithfulness before God, we can easily become disheartened when we face times of difficulty. Hopelessness can threaten even the strongest of Christians. It is for this reason that we are called to rejoice.
Initially, this might sound strange. Why do we rejoice when things go awry? Biblical rejoicing, however, is not simply a response to what happens to us, but a daring incarnation of our trust in Jesus. Rejoicing safeguards against hopelessness because, through rejoicing, we live out the truth that Christ is present. In rejoicing, we incarnate the reality that we are not alone, and thus we walk in hope, despite what life may throw at us. Christ walks with us, and his love enfolds our lives. Rejoicing isn’t just escapism; it is a bold commitment to recognize the presence of Christ in each circumstance of life.
This is what distinguishes worldly thanksgiving from true, biblical rejoicing. The call to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), is a call to recognize the presence of Christ in every circumstance in life. Jesus is not only present in the pure and pristine, but he also walks with us through the mud and muck of life. He goes to the cross, and to the place of death. Thus, in times of hardship, the Holy Spirit works in our lives, bringing forward God’s good and perfect will for us. Rejoicing is an act of trust in Christ’s goodness.
This is the spiritual disposition in which the followers of Jesus are called to live. Jesus says to the disciples “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:22-23). Through rejoicing we claim the truth that our lives are held in the loving hands of Christ.
Whether we fight against idolatry, pride, or hopelessness, rejoicing imbeds our life in the presence of Christ. Through rejoicing, we become more deeply aware of the Spirit’s work of love, guidance, and deliverance. This affects our testimony in this world. Thus, rejoicing is a spiritual practice we would all benefit from engaging with more.
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