“We are workers with you for your joy.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) I am glad that Paul never lost his kindness or optimism. The conflict and tension of church-battles have the potential to make us hard. Tragic. Somehow, Paul has managed to keep perspective that the power and point of New Testament life is joy! It doesn’t matter if we are right (doctrinally) if we are not rejoicing. Please notice that joy is something that can and should be “worked for”. In Philippians 3 “Rejoice!” is an imperative, a command. It is both “fruit of the Spirit” and something we choose. . . something we do. . . something that we work toward together (vs 24 “with you”). Not either/or but both/and, no church cannot afford to avoid the difficult decisions associated with life in Christ. In the midst of it all, however, the end result needs to be joy. May the Lord teach us to be such a people. May He teach us to build such a church! I love you guys. See you tomorrow.
