Stop And Smell The Roses

And ye now therefore have sorrow: 

but I will see you again, and your heart 

shall rejoice, and your joy no man 

taketh from you.

John 16:22 

     The world today is full of trouble and trials, wars, famines, floods, physical ailments, all are what occurs in our world. We have sorrow over a death, and we have sorrow over things that others have to endure, but this sorrow may at times take your joy away: but not forever.

A time is coming when your joy will have no end, and not man can take your joy from you for you will only experience the goodness of God forever, no end, no Satan, no cultural influence to the bad, nothing, only your life living in the world to come that God has prepared for His children. 

     The world condemns Christians: saying, "Christians have no fun!" The world condemns a person with a living vigorous faith saying: "This faith denies the pleasures of this world, and robs a person of a normal life, innocent amusements this faith denies." This is a myth: why? Authentic Christians live a life of joy, not just "fun," joy is theirs and this joy the world does not understand for they see "fun" as "joy" and worldly "joy," "fun," is has no commitment to anyone else but themselves, an autonomous life. Authentic Christian Faith doe not prohibit any type of amusement or entertainment that is really innocent. What do I mean? Who is to decide what is innocent? Cultural Christianity endorses entertainment or amusement that is not consistent with Scripture even though there is an attempt to align such entertainment or amusement with Scripture. Cultural Christians have to "twist" the meanings or translation of Scripture to give some warrant to their cultural theology. Cultural Christians may give a less demanding morality than what the Bible gives, such can be seen where abortion is allowed or homosexuality is allowed, an inclusiveness that allows for sinful people to be leaders, or that women can preach and teach men even though there is no Biblical warrant for such, so the invent excuses as though they are reasons allowing for cultural morality to enter into their churches. 

      Authentic Christians grow in their sanctification so that they do not even have to think about doing sinful things. Authentic Christians examine all things and hold only to that which is good and the only good is that which conforms to Scripture. Authentic Christian can use entertainment, amusements, as long as Biblical morality is not diminished, and this then would be a downfall destroying their relationship with God. Authentic Christians grow, not to perfect in this world for they are still fallen in their nature, but they have the Holy Spirit that will, if allowed, to lead them, and they have the Bible to read and study so that they come to a point where sin is so well known and understood that they shy away from that which is unScriptural. 

     So do Authentic Christians have "fun?" Yes! There are multiple ways for "fun", ways to provide good, proper recreation and amusement. Authentic Christians seek that which is designed to be good and moral. God has created man to enjoy this world, to enjoy this life, even uncertainties can bring joy knowing that God is control and we will "stay the course" and stay on the narrow road. Life is full of variety, there is something for everyone to enjoy, all a person has to do: enjoy! STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES! Get up each morning and thank God for another day, a day in which you can enjoy, a day you can be of service with Him. The sources that God has provided is hope, love, confidence, joy and many more other sources of joy. 

      Do not allow the world to tell you that as an Authentic Christian you cannot have "fun", "joy," for this is a lie. 

The LORD is nigh unto all them

    that call upon Him, to all

that call upon Him in truth.

               Psalms 145:18

Your joy is waiting for you

Richard L. Crumb