Reach for Jesus With Joy & Intentional WorshipSample

Just As I Am

By: Shawn Craig

“How many joyful men do you know?” I asked my wife. “I mean, do you know any guys whose dominant characteristic is joy?” Long pause. I was hoping she would say, “You!” Nope. Finally, she came up with a few, and I did too, but it wasn’t without some thought. Why?

Recently, I read a similar question by author Wes Yoder (Bond of Brothers): “If the glory of God and our relationship with him are indeed the source of joy for the Christ-man, why do we see so few joyful men?” Great question. I wonder if part of the reason is this: it’s hard to be joyful when you’re a poser. Posers are afraid of discovery. They fear intimacy with other guys because the charade is over if they find out.

The guys I know who are marked by joy don’t seem to be consumed with imaging. There’s a childlike acceptance of being fully human, not superhuman or stuffy. They can laugh at themselves and are still more instructive--they are more prompt at confession.

Not the modern, sophisticated man. He thinks of himself as intelligent, mature, and not wasting time with childish wonder, fantasy, and play. He prides himself on being a realist, not missing the cultured perspective of everyday life. He excuses his mistakes, can’t see his imperfections, and is insufferable to be around.

In High School, I had a classmate, Joseph, who was sharper than the average guy. Not in style or appearance. He often had a bad case of dandruff evidenced on his shoulders, frequently wore the same t-shirt, and would probably get high marks on the nerd scale. Once asked about the kind of shampoo he used, “Ivory Soap,” he said. “You mean Ivory shampoo in a bottle?” “No, like the bar.” His sister in the same classroom gave an audible gasp and eye roll. He rarely studied, as far as I know, but got the material and aced any math test you put in front of him. He didn’t compete for jock-dom and wasn’t popular with the girls, but he was joyful.

I’m not applauding his lack of discipline. Maybe part of his persona was actually rebellion against the status quo. I don’t know, but I don’t think he was a poser. I think that was just joyful Joe.

When Paul wrote to first-century believers and gave the leading characteristics of the spirit-filled life, joy was near the top of the list. When he contrasted the kingdom of God with legalism, the hard-nosed way centered on law-keeping rather than grace, he described it this way:

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 ESV, emphasis mine)

When Jesus set forward a model of true godliness, at least once, he put forward a child as his sermon illustration. And most children I know are more joyful than many adults.

Jesus once told a parable about two men praying. I’ll paraphrase. One expressed gratitude, but it centered on who he was and wasn’t: “I’m so grateful I’m able to give so much to charity and that I’ve managed to be consistent in my quiet time. You have kept me from being a disgusting pagan like this guy praying next to me.” The other guy in a less honorable profession is crouched down. His bright green boxers are showing above his belt, and he’s making a scene, praying a bit too loud, using street language. “God, it’s me, Joe. I can’t believe I get to call you, Father. I need Your help again.

I’m far from being the kind of husband and daddy I want to be. Just last night, I was rude to my wife and had no sympathy for my needy 4-year-old. Have mercy on me, God!”

Jesus says it was the second guy who walked away knowing God was pleased. The other walked away pleased with himself. And I’m guessing here--but probably also less joyful. (See Luke 18:9-17)

Pride, posturing, and self-importance all have a joy-chilling effect. Some of the least joyful guys I know are pastors and worship leaders with rock-star images, complete with security, multiple “handlers,” and social media consultants. On the surface, they look happy, but when you spend more than ten minutes with them, you find an insecure teenager with a few years on him, worried about image.

How do I know? Because I fight the need to posture, to wonder if I’m presenting my best side. I’m ashamed of how long I waited to say, “I was wrong. You’re right.” But I’m repenting. And God is answering my prayer.

Join me in the quest for joy. Lay down the professional Christian image. Come to God and say, “Father, it’s me...just as I am. Have mercy.”