Life's Joy Killers and Joy Makers

Book excerpt: Christ said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). A joy-filled person is the best advertisement Christ has for a joyless world to consider his loving offer of salvation. The second fruit of the Spirit (joy) makes one an inspirational and infectious person to be around, whether you are a marriage partner, a business leader, or a next-door neighbor. The way Christ wants to accomplish this in and for us is through his two-step process as outlined in Colossians 3: •Step One: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (Col 3:5). We will refer to this as the removal of a Joy Killer. •Step Two: “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge” (Col 3:10). We will refer to this as a Joy Maker. Each chapter is divided into these two steps. First, it begins with a removal of a Joy Killer and it is immediately followed with its replacement of a Joy Maker. With each chapter, you find an increasingly deep and rewarding joy as you pitch your tent one day closer to eternity.