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Amazing how often it happens: you get an idea and the thought seems to chase you around.
After writing yesterday's post, with its allusion to the artificial distinctions often made in relation to faith and spirituality, I picked up John Piper's book "Desiring God". In the introduction, Piper speaks of the distinction we make between worshipping God and enjoying him forever, as if somehow the two were incompatible.
I hear the same sentiments in relation to different areas of life: affirming that God invented joy and pleasure for us, yet we act as though the spiritual life is dull and self-denying? the implied belief that sex is not something beautiful to be enjoyed (when was the last time you heard a preacher talk of the joy of sex?); that eating a beautiful meal is to share the taste of God's kingdom; that the refreshment of a glass of cool water on a hot day is partaking of God's gift?
Sure, we can go too far and create a "spiritual life" which is entirely self-indulgent, but is that a reason for denying the good things which God gives us to enjoy?
For example, we endeavour to build joy into our acts of service. Our sausage sizzle for Southern Asia was a great time of meeting people, and sharing together. We really enjoyed the time of ministry together, as is the case with our monthly church meetings (which enjoy a 100% attendance), and all other church activities. When Jesus said "I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly" he did mean that there would be joy in it.
And when it comes to the darker moments of life, we find that there is a deeper bond which enables us to walk through them together.
Posted by gary at January 11, 2005 01:40 PM
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