Many people think that having fun does not equate to doing what God wants. Sadly, there are even some people in the church who believe that. Friends, that's not true. God is no killjoy. He's the one who gives real joy.
Jesus told us in John 10:10 that He doesn't want to take away our joy. Rather, He wants us to have full of it. He said, "The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure."
We must believe that Christ means what He says. But in order for us to enjoy life the way He wants us to, there is something important for us to do, and without doing it we won't experience the full life that He promises.
It's called self-denial.
'How Can I Deny Myself and Have Fun?'
It's biblical truth that the way to enjoy the life that Christ gives is through following Him. And in order to follow Him, we have to deny ourselves.
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" (Matthew 16:24)
We can't follow Christ if we want to go our own way. If we want to follow Him, we have to go all-in.
'But I Won't be Able to Enjoy Myself If I Deny Myself!'
You could be thinking by now that Jesus was speaking metaphorically or ironically. Truth is He's saying the truth. The only way to follow Him is to follow Him, and not ourselves. As a bonus, Jesus added another truth that we should know.
"If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." (Matthew 16:25)
Simply put, friends, if we try to find a way to enjoy life apart from Christ, we won't have the joy that only He can give. There's no other salvation apart from His.
There's no other way to the Father except through Him. There's no other way to enjoy a full life that God alone can give except through Christ.
'So What Do I Do?'
Come to Jesus. Repent of your sins, and ask for His forgiveness. Put your faith in His finished work. Surrender your life to Him, and follow Him. Make Him your delight and joy, and He will make sure to grant you the desires of your heart, just like He did mine.
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me." (John 12:24-26)
"Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Jesus, speaking in Matthew 11:28-30)
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:3-4)
