Do you find joy in the church? If not, why not? What is it that keeps you from being a happy Christian? There are many people who see Christ’s church as a burden, an entity that robs them of pleasure. But, that is not what God has intended and if you find church to be a burden, then you must ask, what is robbing you of your pleasure?

The church is intended to be a joyful place. When Jesus was born, the angels rejoicing said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Jesus humbled himself and took the form of a man to bring the best possible life man can have on planet earth. Notice what Jesus said in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundately.” Jesus came as the Prince of Peace to share joy with the entire world, and especially with those in His church.

In Matthew 13:44 we read the Parable of the Hidden Treasure. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field: the which when a man hath found he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” I want us to note two truths about the Lord’s church:

First, God intends for us to find joy in the church. Meaning when one studies the Bible and learns about the descriptions, work, worship and goals of the church. Then that one can only be impressed and filled with joy because of the opportunity to be part of this eternal kingdom. The apostle of love wrote in 1 John 1:4, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” The Psalmist said, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Secondly, we learn from Matthew 13:44 that the kingdom is a prized treasure. The way we view Christ and His church will make all the difference in our lives. And here once the man saw the treasure he went and sold all that he had to buy the field. And, today, the person who clearly sees this treasure will give up all they have to become a child of God, and to live as a sacrifice to Him, Romans 12:1-2, because of the joys found in the church.

I have something for you to do this week. When you find time to study and contemplate upon the church, try making a list of all the things in the church that brings joy to your life!