Joy in Christ for the Sake of Missions

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” - Philippians 4:4

In preparation for extended time in Uganda for an adoption, we received some training on cultural awareness and respect to honor our host country during our stay. There are cultural norms for clothing and public behavior that might seem strange to us in America but if we acted in a normal American way, it could cause a bit of a stir.

One of those norms related to public affection between spouses. Our hosts told us that it is scandalous for a husband and a wife to show any affection in public. Holding hands is pushing it. Kissing and hugging would really set people off. It would not be out of the ordinary to see a man walking down the sidewalk a few feet in front of his wife.

While we thought it quite strange, we didn’t want to cause unnecessary offense, so we were careful not to break any unwritten rules (though we did still walk next to each other), until another missionary couple came to visit. We went to town with this other couple and they held hands everywhere. They laughed, hugged, and kissed (casually) throughout the marketplace. We asked them why they were so brazen with their public marital affection and if they were concerned about offending the unwritten rules.

And their response was that they came to the mission field to show how Christ changes the rules. They want people to see the joy, honor, and affection Christ brings to marriage. The culture of marriage in that place was one of dishonor, duty, and despair.

But Christ came to remake all parts of society, including marriage, to fruitfulness and joy. How much more compelling is the gospel when people who are unnecessarily suffering and sorrowful see what life could be in Christ? This couple wanted to show men how they should be bringing pleasure to their wives, and encourage wives to be a source of joy to their husbands all done by the power of Christ in them.

If we want our neighbors to know Jesus, we want them to know him as a Savior who redeems joy in life. And our lives are to be the example of the deep joy that comes from having Christ in control. Most people see our religion as one that stifles joy, but we know that Christ is the source of all pleasure and joy (Psalm 16:11).

God put eternity in every person’s heart; and he gives good gifts in order to point the way to him as the source of all that will satisfy that longing (Ecclesiastes 3:9–15). So, let us be people who enjoy God’s blessings under the banner of Christ so people may see our joy in every circumstance and glorify our Father in heaven.

Rejoicing in Christ’s work in you,

Adam and the elders