Philippians – The Joy Stealers

Aswe continue to look at the message in the book of Epistle to the Philippians, Iwant to talk about something that affects every believer. Even though God wantsus to live with joy, there are many things that can rob us of that joy if weare not careful. In John 10:10, Jesus reminds us: “The thief comes only tosteal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and thatthey may have it more abundantly.” If there is one thing the devil wants tosteal from you, it is the joy of your salvation. Paul addresses several ofthese “joy stealers” in the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi. Thefirst one we see is selfish ambition. In Philippians 2:3, Paul writes: “Letnothing be done through strife or vain glory.” When we become focused onour own recognition, our own success, and our own importance, our joy willquickly disappear. We begin to live selfish, self-centered lives, makingeverything about ourselves. We live in a very humanistic culturetoday—especially in America—that constantly emphasizes, “It’s all about me.”That kind of thinking leads directly to selfish ambition. Anotherjoy stealer is complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14 says: “Doall things without murmuring and disputings.” As you read through the Bookof Proverbs, you will find repeated warnings about this. A complaining spiritdrains joy from our hearts and spreads negativity to others. It only takes onebad apple in the basket to affect the rest. Negativity is contagious. You knowwhat happens when you get around people who are negative, cantankerous,disputing, backbiting, or talebearing. The Bible warns us often about this.When the talebearer is removed, the strife ceases—just like when coals areseparated, the fire goes out.Anotherjoy stealer is worldliness. In Philippians 3:18–19, Paul writes: “Formany walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whosegod is their belly, whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthlythings.” When our hearts become focused on the world instead of on Christ,our joy begins to fade. Paul says something very similar in Colossians 3:1-2 “Ifthen you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, whereChrist is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, noton things on the earth.” Worldliness is simply living as though God is notpart of our lives. That is why we are told in 1 John 2:15–16: “Do not lovethe world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love ofthe Father is not in him.” Anotherjoy stealer is anxiety and fear. Philippians 4:6 says: “Be anxiousfor nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,let your requests be made known to God.” Worry and fear can crowd out thepeace and joy that God wants us to experience. Worry is like a rockingchair—you can go back and forth all day long and it gives you something to do, butit does not get you anywhere. We must be careful not to let anxiety takecontrol of our hearts. Finally,Paul reminds us of the importance of guarding our thoughts. InPhilippians 4:8, we are told to think on things that are true, honest, just,pure, lovely, and of good report. If you are thinking about the things youshould be thinking about, you will not be thinking about the things you shouldnot be thinking about. If you are where you should be, you cannot be where youshould not be. When we fill our minds with the right things, our hearts arestrengthened and our joy increases. Today, if thedevil has stolen your joy please pray what David prayed in Psalm 51:10-12: “Createin me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me…. Restore tome the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”