My friend Andy wasn’t a coffee drinker; he’d never made it part of his daily routine. But this changed over time, and Andy told me how. “I saw people’s expressions upon taking their first morning sip: that deep, satisfying sigh — ‘aah’ — rising up from within and the eyes drifting back in their heads,” he said, “And whatever caused this daily experience, I wanted that.” It wasn’t the coffee that initially drew Andy, but the palpable pleasure it brought about in others.
God draws people to Himself, meeting each of us right where we are in life. Some struggling under the burden of remorse find freedom and release in the forgiveness of God through the sacrifice of Christ. Others searching for the meaning of life finally find their answers in God’s Word. Then there are those drawn to God by the warmth of peace and the aroma of joy wafting out from those born anew in the Spirit — those who, in Christ, have found “the life that is truly life.”1 This was my story: I saw in others an undeniable change for good — deep-down transformation — and whatever it was that caused this experience, I wanted it.
Our allure is both Biblical and spiritual. As Paul taught the Corinthians, so he teaches us today: “God . . . uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of [Christ] everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ.”2 God is pleased with all who believe in His Son and pleased to attract others through us. Jesus says it is a matter of identity: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden . . .In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”3
But we don’t always feel peaceful or joyful when we want to, and sometimes we just don’t want to. So what do we do then? Do we put on our best face, a Christian costume of sorts? No, we do much better to steep in the source of our joy: God’s unshakable love for us. Jesus explains: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”4
So savor a sip of God’s love for you — ahh! — and share with others a cuppa joy.
Father, You are our joy. Pour out Your Spirit, that we would gladly overflow to others the love and life we’ve found in Christ Jesus, Your Son. In His name we pray. Amen.
1 1 Timothy 6:19 NIV
2 2 Corinthians 4:14-15 NIV
3 Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
4 John 15:9-11 ESV
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Paul Nordman—Author 