PASTOR'S PEN
Joyless Christianity?

He was in prison. The feel of cold steel and the incessant rattle of the chains was an endless reminder of freedom as a pleasant memory, but not a present reality. Moreover, a sword pierced his soul as certain factious brethren strove to intensify his afflictions. "The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add afflictions to my bonds." Philippines 1:16.

However, though held tightly in the vise of adversity, Paul exhorted, "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice" Philippines 4:4.

For unbelievers, life is one unending tragedy. It is birthed in pain and ends in sorrow. Its joy is superficial and transient. It is void of meaning and hope. It is one long dark journey that ends in despair.

For the faithful child of God, life is not lived in the Eden of ecstasy. It is punctuated with disappointment, sorrow, pain and suffering. However, every tear of adversity is coated with the soothing salve of joy. Joyless Christianity is a contradiction of terms.

Life grows sweeter and more meaningful with each passing day. A thousand lifetimes of suffering would seem nothing with heaven at the end of the way.

Are we living so that heaven awaits us when the life we have on earth comes to an end?

James Bruster is pastor at the Church of Christ in Port Aransas.