Rejoicing: Right or Wrong?

In Romans 1, Paul writes a damning exposé of sins ranging from worship of animals, through unnatural sexual relations, to gossip and disobeying parents. His closing words have particular resonance: “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do those very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) Sin is never content with its presence merely being tolerated: it must be approved, and even celebrated.

Why does it matter what we approve? Why does Paul call us to rejoice in the truth instead of in wrongdoing? It’s because we become like whatever we rejoice in. And though we might think we can keep that hidden, it will always make itself known. Social media gives endless opportunities for us to share our intimate thoughts and feelings, as well as the general everyday things of our lives. We can almost be certain that when we apply for a job, the company will examine our social media presence to get an idea of what kind of person we are! They will find patterns in our posts, showing the things we care about, and therefore who we truly are.

Sinclair writes, “Who we really are emerges in the trivial and incidental details of our lives—in our handwriting, our tweets, and in a thousand other ways. And what we love, what we rejoice in, leaves a permanent mark on our characters; we can never ultimately hide it. Followers of the Truth rejoice in the truth, and that never remains hidden.”

Jesus Christ brings “grace and truth” to a world that is under the power of “the father of lies” (John 1:17, 8:44). He comes to those who have “exchanged the truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25), who have believed the lie that he isn’t wholly kind and good and his word can’t be trusted. Through Jesus, God exposed that lie; Jesus, the Truth, conquered the lie on the cross and has set us free. When we love and rejoice in the truth, we become more like what we love, and the One we love!

Today, think about Sinclair’s words: “Who we really are emerges in the trivial and incidental details of our lives.” What are some of the details of your life that reveal your character and what you rejoice in? Pray that God would help you to rejoice in the truth and in good things.

Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair B. Ferguson (published by The Good Book Company) available to buy at Eden Christian Bookstore or Amazon.