우리는 무엇 때문에 가장 기뻐합니까?

사랑하는 주님의 길 교회 가족 여러분,

오늘 사도행전 5장39-42절 설교의 결론에서 한걸음 더 나아가기 원합니다. 우리는 무엇 때문에 가장 기뻐합니까?

연봉이 오를 때? 투자한 돈이 불어날 때? 사업이나 커리어의 성공을 이룰 때? 자녀가 좋은 대학 갈 때? 집값이 오를 때? 아니면 예수님 때문에 손해 볼 때도 기뻐할 수 있습니까? 이게 성령충만의 리트머스 시험지입니다.

사도들은 맞아서 기뻤던 것이 아닙니다. 예수님 때문에 맞았기 때문에 기뻤습니다. 이 차이가 엄청 중요합니다. 고난 자체를 사랑하는 것이 아닙니다. 예수님이 고난보다 더 귀했기 때문입니다.

그래서 이번 주 우리는 모두 이렇게 성령으로 행해 봅시다:

첫째, 오늘 하루, "나는 무엇이 있어야 행복한가?" 를 적어 보십시오. 거기에 여러분의 우상이 있습니다.

둘째, 하루에 한 번 예수님 때문에 작은 손해를 감수해 보십시오. 불편함, 시간, 돈, 자존심, 체면... 무엇이든 좋습니다.

셋째, 매일 이렇게 기도하십시오. "성령님, 제 환경을 먼저 바꾸기보다 제 기쁨의 근원을 바꾸어 주십시오. 예수님이 제 건강보다, 제 자녀보다, 제 성공보다, 제 명예보다, 제 재산보다 더 큰 기쁨이 되게 하소서."

Dear Way Maker Church Family,

I would like to take one more step beyond the conclusion of today’s sermon from Acts 5:39-42.

What brings us the greatest joy?

Is it receiving a raise? Seeing our investments grow? Achieving success in our business or career? Watching our children get into a prestigious college? Seeing the value of our home increase? Or can we also rejoice when we suffer loss because of Jesus? This is the true litmus test of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The apostles were not joyful because they had been beaten. They rejoiced because they had been beaten for the sake of Jesus. That difference is profoundly important. They did not love suffering itself. They loved Jesus more than they feared suffering. Christ was more precious to them than comfort.

So this week, let us all choose to walk by the Spirit in these practical ways:

First, ask yourself today, "What must I have in order to be happy?" Write down your answer. That is where your idol may be hiding.

Second, once each day, willingly accept a small loss for the sake of Jesus. It may cost you some comfort, time, money, pride, or reputation. Whatever it may be, offer it to Him with joy.

Third, pray this prayer every day: "Holy Spirit, instead of changing my circumstances first, change the source of my joy. May Jesus become a greater joy to me than my health, my children, my success, my reputation, or my possessions. Let Christ be my greatest treasure. Amen." 

- 임성은 목사