Joy Complete

“Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. My commandment is this—to love one another just as I have loved you.” –John 15:9-12

My oldest child has fought doing the dishes for years. It has been an agonizing journey to get him to the general compliance of today. He got no pleasure from standing at the sink, and fought tooth and nail to escape the shackles of kitchen cleanup. His only solace, his great hope, was that one day he would be released from this oppressive chore and that a sibling would take over so he could go out and play. His pursuit was pleasure; his objective end was enjoyment. And I grieve for all the joy he has lost. For these things are the natural reward that grateful hands receive when washing instruments of loving provision. These are the prize for those who set their hearts on pleasing the father in glad service to others.

Consider a soldier that pursues glory and honor for himself, and is paid his wages at the battle’s conclusion and labeled a mercenary. But the man who dedicates himself to the mission out of love for his countrymen will in the end receive the glory and honor of a hero.

Consider a woman that seeks a happy marriage, and finds herself in a miserable relationship. But the bride who seeks a thriving relationship with a man she chooses to love, finds a happy marriage as her natural reward.

Consider an athlete that plots and schemes to fill his mantle with trophies, but never has a sense of accomplishment because he is a fake and a cheat. But the athlete who trains and pursues the victory will inevitably have an impressive showcase.

We all desire joy and fulfillment, but not just taste temporary tricks. We want to be filled with the complete substance. But if our pursuit is to fill our hearts with happiness and our souls with satisfaction, we will find ourselves miserable mercenaries, bitter brides, and petulant posers. 

The only way to partake of such infinite joy is to “abide” with the Godhead. Joy is the reward in the relationship. It can never be the objective. Our focus should be upon Christ above (Col 3:1), on His kingdom (Mat 6:33) where He is the priceless pursuit we seek (Mat 13:44-46). If we have HIM, we receive every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3)—not just eternal life, but so much more (Mat 5:5; 19:29; Col 3:24). All who attempt to step over the Son to steal these things, will find even what they have stripped away (Mat 25:29-30; Luke 20:14-16).

But notice that the way we “remain in [God’s] love” is to be obedient. Yet we must understand that it impossible to be obedient apart from this empowering relationship (John 15:4-6). Because to be truly obedient is to follow ALL of God’s precious commandments, including those that dictate our affections to be fully on Him (ex: Psa 112:1).

“You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.” –Deuteronomy 6:5

God isn’t looking for assistance with the dishes; our good deeds do not benefit the great Benefactor (Job 35:7). If we merely accomplish our duty so we can run out and play, we are not pleasing the Father, and will thus receive no pleasure in it. Instead, we reveal a heart that is attempting to placate and manipulate. This kind of righteousness is a stench in God’s nostrils (Isa 64:6). Compliance apart from faith is merely begrudging submission, a pursuit of glory without the victory. It is not obedience; it is a faithless façade that only pretends to have affections for God in order to acquire other things (Heb 11:6).

But for those who seek God in faith, “we make it our ambition to please the LORD” (2Co 5:9). This kind of true obedience is better than any pious ritual (1Sa 15:22), for our affections are upon Him and not the peripheral prizes. We WANT to obey ALL that Jesus commands because we love Him (John 14:15). And it is here that our spirit abides with Him. And in that abiding, we experience the great rewards—not just joy, but joy complete.