Joyless or Joyful

You can’t use the Bible for spite work. You can’t shout praises in church on Sunday or Wednesday, then treat people like they have leprosy the rest of the week.

Biblical relationships aren’t once-or-twice-a-week commitments. They aren’t reserved for holidays or birthdays out of obligation. Nobody wants to be an obligation or a burden. And let’s be honest—people recognize obligatory gestures immediately.

Following in the footsteps of Jesus and building a relationship with Him requires a personal journey. Sometimes that journey means walking away from others. Other times, it means allowing them to walk away from us. I can attest to this. While it’s hard at first, distance often brings clarity. Over time, life becomes lighter—more peaceful, more refreshing.

The old saying, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, doesn’t always apply. My honeycombs have been empty for a long time. In that emptiness, I’ve been able to dive deeply into God’s Word—shifting my focus away from worldly matters of the heart and leaning fully on Him.

Shouting Amen to scriptures that fit a convenient narrative, while ignoring the responsibility they carry, will backfire. An Amen isn’t punctuation for a sermon—it’s agreement with a way of living. Saying it lightly, while living contrary, is dangerous ground.

Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart.