A Life of Supreme Delight
Growing up, I was blessed to have a father who instilled in me the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in Christ. Before I ever encountered the works of Jonathan Edwards, C.S. Lewis, or Daniel Fuller, my dad was teaching me that God’s only requirement is that we be satisfied with Christ. He’d often illustrate this point by talking about a cow that sticks its head through a barbed-wire fence to graze on the other side, when there’s a whole pasture of lush grass right behind it.
The Pursuit of Pleasure
As I grew older, I began to understand that my dad wasn’t denying the existence of pleasures in this world. Rather, he was pointing out that there are far greater pleasures to be found in Christ. These pleasures aren’t just fleeting or superficial; they’re deeply satisfying and lasting. They’re the kind of pleasures that bring us joy, peace, and contentment, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
A Legacy of Faith
My dad’s faith was infectious, and it had a profound impact on my life. He had an unwavering trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, and he lived out his faith with courage, passion, and joy. Even in his final years, when he was struggling with dementia, he remained steadfast in his devotion to Christ. His journal entries from that time are a testament to his enduring faith: “I’ll soon be 86, but I feel strong and my health is good. God has been exceedingly gracious, and I am most unworthy of His matchless grace and patience.”
The Supreme Delight
So what is this supreme delight that my dad was so passionate about? It’s not just the pleasures that we experience in life; it’s the pleasure of knowing and loving Christ Himself. As my dad would say, “Every believer has in Christ all the fullness the world longs for. Christianity, therefore, far from being dull and dreary or a harsh system of rules and regulations, is a gloriously free, real, victorious, and happy life.”
A Life of Contentment
So how do we experience this supreme delight? According to my dad, it’s by living a life of contentment, a life that’s fully satisfied with Christ alone. This means trusting in God’s goodness and provision, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. It means finding joy and peace in the midst of trials, and it means living a life that’s marked by gratitude, humility, and love.
A Lasting Legacy
My dad’s legacy continues to inspire and challenge me to this day. His faith, his joy, and his love for Christ are a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in Him. As I look back on his life, I’m grateful for the lessons he taught me, and I’m reminded of the importance of passing on that legacy to future generations.
Leave a Reply