But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
– Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
The word “joy” occurs 218 times in the Bible (NIV). The phrase “the joy of the Lord” suggests that Christ-followers can experience joy because of the Lord, even if circumstances are not joyful.
How do we apply the following well-known Scripture to our sport? When we read in James 1:2, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, it might be easy to think, “Surely James could not have had sports scenarios in mind when he wrote, ‘consider it pure joy…’” When an official consistently misses calls favoring the other team, or when a coach gives more playing time to a teammate who doesn’t work as hard as you do or isn’t as skilled as you are, or when an opponent fouls hard or grabs your jersey, James could not be asking you to consider that pure joy. And if he is, why would he do that?
Before we go to possible the “whys,” let’s be clear about what it might mean to consider it pure joy. When God’s Spirit inspired James to write this encouragement to believers, I don’t think He meant that all circumstances would be full of joy or happiness. However, for reasons we will soon see, followers of the risen Lord, can consider difficult trials, even in sports, to be pure joy – even if we would not choose these circumstances.
Why might God encourage His followers to consider it pure joy when facing opposition?
- The context of our verse in James suggests a “why.” Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:3-4). Just like facing tough opposition in your sport can cause you to improve, trials in life can help us become mature and complete, not lacking anything. Rather than viewing our trials in life or sport as a negative, we can consider them pure joy and ask God to help us grow more mature in our faith.
- Second Corinthians 4:17 reads, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that far outweighs them all. This means that the trials we face on earth can lead to greater glory for eternity. This “why” leads to a good ministry tagline, “Playing For Eternity.” 😉
- When believers consider it pure joy in the face of opposition, especially if it is unjust, it can significantly impact all who are watching (teammates/training partners, opponents, officials, and spectators). First Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be ready to tell others about their hope – this was written to Christians who were suffering unjustly. When people see Christians live out their faith, they notice and want to know more about their hope, especially when they see pure joy in the midst of opposition.
Training Exercise
- Is there an area in your life/sport that you are finding it difficult to have joy?
- What are specific ways you can consider it pure joy as you work through your current situation?
- By taking this “pure joy” attitude into an area of your life that’s been difficult, how might it impact and influence the unbelievers watching?
