So suffering stinks. But here's what it does, at least for some of us who call ourselves Christians--it pushes us to God. Whether we're asking questions about his absence or pressing into his strength for help, suffering and hardship often brings us to God.
Success, on the other hand, seldom has that effect. For many of us, just like the Israelites in the Old Testament, once we enter into the promised land, get that job, get to a place of relative ease or blessing or comfort, we can drift away.
Given that God is most interested in who we're becoming than what we're doing, more interested in our connection with him than in keeping us comfortable, if suffering is the only way we turn to God, we can expect plenty of suffering in our lives.
Celebration, with God, in his presence, is a crucial spiritual discipline. And one that very few of us do very well.
All of this is rather ironic given that this whole Christianity thing started with a celebration: "Jesus is risen!" It was a party that started this thing. Not a new code of ethics. Not more rules. Not lame meetings. A party.
We haven't always remembered that. I haven't always remembered that.
If you're one of those kind folks who isn't a Christian who reads these posts, please forgive us--forgive me. And if you're one of my students or a former student and you've been around me when I've forgotten this whole Christianity thing is actually just one big celebration of Jesus death, resurrection, and the new life we are offered in Christ, please forgive me.
Those of us in Christ must learn how to celebrate--with God. That doesn't automatically mean it's not fun--alas, that we think that! It actually means that it's good, right, as it should be--and it means a celebration that doesn't ever have to end. Endless joy. That's the promise.
So to quote the great theologians Kool and the Gang, bring your good times, and your laughter too. Let's celebrate! It's alright.
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