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Joy
Saturday, October 2, 2021 16:16:43
Posted By Nan

Hebrews 13

This concluding chapter of Hebrews is full of exhortations to live well and according to the example set by Jesus.

There is one joy listed here. That is found in the exhortation to cooperate with our pastoral leaders. To not make things difficult for them. To instead be a joy to them.

This exhortation applies not only to pastoral leaders, but to all leaders. That is not to say we blindly follow whatever we are told. We certainly have to be discerning in that. But we are also asked to cooperate wherever possible. 

I was reminded of this during the week while having a conversation with a woman who had been the leader of a local childcare centre. The parents of the children in the centre were argumentative and difficult. They would even ring her out of hours, invading her evenings and weekends with their demands. Eventually they wore her down and she left.

These parents were not cooperating or honouring their hard working leader. She was certainly not in a position to find joy in her work.

I could fill pages with stories of workers in Christian communities who report similar incidents. Ones who are worn out to the point of leaving jobs they loved and were committed to. 

In our clamouring and sinfulness we get caught up in the desire to demand our rights. We forget Jesus’ exhortation to cooperate with our leaders. To not exasperate them or cause them harm. 

Joy is not just something God gives us directly. He also gives Joy through our behaviour. We have the power to deny people the Joy God wants them to have. 

Let us endeavour to be the reason another follower experiences Joy. 


This blog is taking a break until Saturday 16 October.
May God bless you over the next two weeks and may you experience His Joy in your life.
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Nan
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