Wednesday's Word: CELEBRATE

As I write, I am wrapping up several opportunities in which our family has been able to CELEBRATE together. We recently had the opportunity to CELEBRATE my son’s business with an Open House. It was complete with food, contests, and even a dunk tank! (Pictured is my husband and I celebrating, as he dunked him two out of three throws! That was fun!) Later that night, we had the opportunity to celebrate three friends who won their sporting competition. The following morning, we celebrated in church, as the gospel was shared and people came to know Jesus. WooHoo! That was the best! And today, we have a day of celebrating my granddaughter’s eighth birthday. We will enjoy a big dinner, and of course cake and ice cream. 

I believe the Lord enjoys most of our celebrations. In fact, there are many scriptures where the bible asks us to celebrate with the Lord. To share with Him in our celebrations, praising Him, because every good and perfect gift is from the Lord. (James 1:17)

I also believe that we need to be careful in our celebrations, to not cause pain or hurt to others. As followers of Jesus, it is important that we keep in mind the feelings of others. To remain vigilant in our awareness that some of our celebrations may cause pain to others. 

My heart has been hurt recently, by the words of many Christians, as they “celebrate” a victory that has been very important to them. I have been left wondering where the respect, compassion, love, humility, and kindness that Jesus speaks about has gone. 

It is never ok to hurt other people during our celebrations. It is important that we are Christ-like. That we behave and respond to others through the words and actions that Jesus would desire. 

When we celebrate Mother’s/Father’s Day, it is important to acknowledge and remember those around us who have lost a child, who desire a child.

When we celebrate our freedom on the 4^th of July, it is important that we remember that at the same time we are celebrating, there are other people dying, as they continue to fight for their country.

When we celebrate that our political party of choice won an election, it is important that we not be arrogant, point fingers, and belittle others for their decisions.

When we celebrate a decision by SCOTUS, it is important to acknowledge that there are others who are left fearful and angry by the decision, who need anything but gloating, judgement, and unkind words. 

For some of those examples, being Christ-like comes more easily. And yet others, we as Christians, are missing the mark. As we continue our many celebrations this summer, I would ask that we consider how we might be Christ-like in our words and actions as we CELEBRATE. Does God enjoy our celebrations and desire to be a part of them? Absolutely. Let us give Him the praise He deserves during our celebrations. Does He also desire for us to consider the feelings of those around us, as we celebrate? Absolutely. Let us take the opportunities to speak to others about what they are experiencing, asking how we could support them. Let us create awareness for the needs others have. Let us keep our mouths and keyboards closed, unless we are speaking in a way that glorifies our Lord. Let us meet people’s fear and anger with patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and of course, love. (Galatians 5:22) 

I pray we all enjoy the weekend ahead, as we CELEBRATE all that God has blessed us with. And as we do so, let us include Him in the celebrations, while also keeping the scriptures below within our hearts. 

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

This is the day which the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 

Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!  

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