My daughter came home from school one day and asked, “Mom are we Christians or are we Baptists?”
I thought it was a strange question, but I attempted to keep it as simple as possible so her young mind could comprehend. I said, “A Christian is anyone who follows after Jesus. Baptist is the name on the church we go to.”
Christian is not a noun that describes a person who sits in a church once a week; it is a verb describing someone who follows after Jesus with their life.
Curious, I asked her what brought that up. She said a girl on her bus told her that if we went to Long Hollow (Baptist) we couldn’t be Christians because, “They have too much fun there.” I laughed out loud and said, “If she thinks we are having fun now, just wait ‘til we get to heaven!”
I’ve been thinking about her friend’s perception. As Christians, are we allowed to have fun? Should any denomination be known as “fun”? I don’t think Jesus ever commanded us to have fun, and I’m guessing that if I Google searched the word “fun” in relation to the bible, it likely won’t be there. I do know however, that there are many, many verses on joy.
I have joy because I know who I am and Whose I am.
My sins are forgiven and my past is forgotten.
I’m saved and my future is secure.
I’ve been rescued and I’ve been reborn.
I may have troubles to face but I have the truth to stand on.
I have joy because I have Jesus.
So as a Christian (who happens to attend a Baptist church), pardon me if I have a little fun on this side of heaven. I will laugh loudly and sing even louder, and there is a very good possibility I may clap or cheer during worship. And on many occasions, I can be found dancing with the Maker of the Stars.
Clap your hands all you nations; Shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 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 1:2-4