Enjoying life and being a disciple

Kit Sigmon

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We not to love our temporal life too much...for instance:
The disciples loved they lives so much they denied/abandoned Jesus...however,
after his resurrection and their restoration, they became bold for the gospel and
not cared if they'd have to forfeit their lives because of the gospel/an or Christ.
They learned/witnessed that this life isn't all there is....there's eternal life and
the resurrection of the dead be true.

like it says in the Phil Wickham song When My Heart is Torn
There is hope
Beyond the suffering
Joy beyond the tears
Peace in every tragedy
Love that conquers fear
I have found redemption
In the blood of Christ
My body might be dying
But I'll always be alive
 
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MonstersvsMartyrs

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Philippians 4
4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Galatians 5
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
 
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devin553344

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

I don't try and convert family and friends. They usually think it's rude, because they're good people anyways. But they know I'm Christian and when it really is an opportune moment, then I might witness of God, but I try to do it wisely. And I think it's really tricky and the opportunities are few and far between. And that's OK. They don't have to believe, I do.
 
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MonstersvsMartyrs

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In context, the verse was written to those facing death for their faith. In those days it was illegal to be a Christian and to do so would put you at risk of being executed. Therefore, to love your life meant that they would choose to renounce their faith to save their lives. Those who cared nothing for their lives were willing to die for their faith, and thus, secure everlasting life in Heaven.
 
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disciple1

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible
You look young, I started to study the bible when I was 21, I learned a lot, now I'm 56, I've read the old testament more than a 100 times, I've read the new testament maybe 3 or 4 times that.
The only way to know the truth is studying.
John chapter 8 verse 31,32
To the Jews who believed him Jesus said if you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.


A pastor can't teach you the truth, the only way to know the truth is study, pastors don't know it anyway.
 
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Idromos247

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

The very concept of enjoyment/deriving pleasure was created by God. God wants you to Love God and praise his name while knowing that every good and perfect thing comes from above.

I enjoy my Job, my wife, and my family... I derive pleasure from activities outside and even watching a movie. But who do I love above all else and give thanks to? Jesus. And while enjoying the gifts God has bestowed on me I share my faith with fellow humans traveling on the same road we call life. That's the purpose of it all. Not to be miserable.... But to let our light shine before men, that they will see our good works and glorify the Lord.

Denying yourself means that if something is going to come between you and God that he always comes first. If the lord is clearly trying to send you somewhere, go. If the lord is telling you to live in Africa and live day to day with no money whatsoever, do it. But if the Lord sees fit to bless you with material things like Job, then don't beat your self up for being happy. Just make the best of what God gives you and be wise while giving all the glory to God.
 
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Halbhh

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

We will definitely suffer some, taking up our own cross, sacrificing things of the world. But there is a mighty aid, and we can draw on that aid by praying the prayer Christ gave to us to pray, in Matthew chapter 6. We can believe as we pray, that what we ask for in this prayer it will be given to us, because the words are from Him, perfect to the will of God, so we should then know this and then have the faith we need as we pray. By dying to the "old man" and being born into the new, but then over time continuing to pray and soak in Christ's Words, which are powerful in their effect, and eventually, soon, we might learn what He told us is the "greatest commandment", and when a person begins to actually try to do it, then that is transforming, and they will find a powerful new good in their life, and this is so good that is really does replace the imagined pleasures of the world with something far better.
 
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nonaeroterraqueous

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

I'm dense. How are those two mutually exclusive?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

I don't recommend that attitude.

because if your enjoying your life, then you are of course loving your life.

No, not of course. Just ask the millions of pretty girlfriends who were enjoyed for a season, never loved, then dumped when a more interesting alternative came around. Enjoyment is not the same as love.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

Have you ever known those abject materialists who think they must always strive for the best of everything? You suggest a restaurant, and it's not good enough for them. They're rolling in debt, because treasures in this life are everything to them. Imagine the mindset of someone who really has no expectation of Heaven. Death is the end of everything, for them. Tell me how you can be happy living for this life, knowing that you're riding a speeding car at a stone wall? What must nag at the mind of a man who knows that everything he loves is racing to a sudden and horrible end? Being spiritual is not to be miserable. It's the only chance at having any real joy.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

Then speak more discretely, in case someone happens to believe you.
 
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MonstersvsMartyrs

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Ecclesiastes 2
24
There is nothing better for a man, thanthat he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? 26For God giveth to a man that isgood in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God.
 
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salt-n-light

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I completely disagree with Mskriskris. Enjoyment in life comes from having a clear conscience, and knowing that we are the object of God's love, where we find our security. It also comes from enjoying the company of others and edifying and serving each other. It's fun to do that. Enjoyment also comes from a heart of gratitude and the understanding that God is our provider, sustainer and love. When we share this with our friends, it's tremendously enjoyable and lots of fun.

It's sad when people say that once you've accepted Christ that life is miserable and you have to endure it until eternity. Jesus said that we are to be salt and light to the world. Can you imagine anyone being drawn to Jesus through us if our witness is sour and miserable? We are here to proclaim the good news, not to slog through until heaven. Enjoy your family and friends, be a good witness of Christ to them and express your gratitude that they are in your life.

I'm not saying you cannot enjoy life, be thankful in those moments, but to have it as an expectation is different. The Christian walk is not always favorable and smiles, but in spite of that, you will find joy in it through Jesus. I have seen people being able to witness while they are struggling through problems, lost of family and friends, because the joy is not through whats going on in this life, but out of the gospel that Jesus died for us, love us, and following Him would require to carry my cross in this life, but it's towards a great eternal life.

If people are hoping that I would say that they will just prosper and all smiles all the time following Jesus, then I'm sorry I can't lie to people. But it is a life that will bear great fruit.
 
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salt-n-light

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I'm not saying you cannot enjoy life, be thankful in those moments, but to have it as an expectation is different. The Christian walk is not always favorable and smiles, but in spite of that, you will find joy in it through Jesus. I have seen people being able to witness while they are struggling through problems, lost of family and friends, because the joy is not through whats going on in this life, but out of the gospel that Jesus died for us, love us, and following Him would require to carry my cross in this life, but it's towards a great eternal life.

If people are hoping that I would say that they will just prosper and all smiles all the time following Jesus, then I'm sorry I can't lie to people. But it is a life that will bear great fruit.
 
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dougangel

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“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible

Philippians 4:4New International Version (NIV)

Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

It says to rejoice and be happy, in the bible well over a hundred times.

So your misinterpreting John
IT's actually saying.

Those who love there sinful selfish life and not give it to Christ will not have eternal life but those who give there life to Christ and the pursuit of obeying his commands will have eternal life and true happyness.

To answer your question
Rejoice in Jesus always
 
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Monk Brendan

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but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

In other words, don't love living more than God.
Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!
 
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MonstersvsMartyrs

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so where does having friends/family come in? should I rid myself of friends and family because they serve no other purpose than to make my life enjoyable?

Mark 12:29-31
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

John 13:34-35 ESV / 829 helpful votes
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”


John 15:13 ESV / 667 helpful votes
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

1 Peter 4:8 ESV / 603 helpful votes
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 John 3:16 ESV / 99 helpful votes
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

James 2:8 ESV / 91 helpful votes
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV / 66 helpful votes
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 1,053 helpful votes
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 546 helpful votes
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lordyour God is giving you.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV / 264 helpful votes
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Job 6:14 ESV / 261 helpful votes
“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV / 748 helpful votes
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 537 helpful votes
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV / 514 helpful votes
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Proverbs 27:10 ESV / 84 helpful votes
Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

Proverbs 18:1
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
 
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smm

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible
 
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smm

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so you dont laugh and enjoy the company of friends/family? if you do then id suggest a bit of hypocrisy
all gifts are from God so enjoy. God gave us laughter so laugh. I think you over think everything like I do. The H.S will guide you. Alot of people go to heaven without knowing the Bible.
 
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Steven Calloway

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God is most glorified when you are MOST satisfied in HIM. He is simply better than everything else.

Page after page of the Old testament is littered with Israel, God's Firstborn, choosing to worship anything and everything BUT GOD. Even though he brought them out, cleaned them up, delivered them from there enemies, did great wonders before there eyes, they still chose the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This wouldn't do then and it certainly won't do now.

We must see God as INFINITELY more valuable than anything. It's not a cold pious relationship. It's RICH, full of fire, emotion, and wonder. It's better than sex, girls, video games, drugs, friends, jobs, cars, sports, entertainment, acclaim, paid vacations or TV.

The key to your question IS YOUR OWN HEART. 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
 
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Anguspure

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How is it possible to enjoy your life, friends, family, experiences, laughter, fun

and be 100% commited to the furtherance of the kingdom?

for me being spiritual = being miserable

because if your enjoying your life, then you are ofcourse loving your life.

but the bible commands us to not "love not your life unto death

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep if for eternity.” John 12:25.

so how is possible to enjoy life and be a disciple? I would suggest its not possible
If Christians would actually live in family community, completely dedicated to Christ Jesus, as they are admonished to do, then they would find that even the harshest and most intolerable situations end up being laced with the joy of God. This is how the early Church became so powerful an attractant in spite of the terrible persecution, the Loved one another deeply from the heart.

But in our western world we are so hopelessly individualistic and isolated in our weed filled lives that the smallest hardship in the name of Christ often becomes an excruciating exercise in misery. We have no one to turn to for support and we have no one encouraging us on to even greater acts of Love.
 
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