The theology of some Christians is a lot like a patchwork quilt. They take a bit of this and a bit of that and piece it all together. They take a dose of Baptist traditionalism, a little charismatic flare, some hyper-evangelism and feel-good religion and sew it all together. They listen to preachers on the radio, watch the religion channels on TV and attend their own churches. They roll all this together and have a hodgepodge of religious convictions that may or may not be biblical.

As a result, they accept anything. They hear what they want to hear. They are easily deceived. They make bad decisions and resent real truth when they hear it. Over and over the Bible warns us of destructive heresies, false teachings, myths and doctrines of demons. Yet many believers are like baby birds. They close their eyes and open their mouths and accept whatever falls in.

A mature Christian is not like that at all. He has learned to discern what is true and what is false. Discernment is a mark, an identifying characteristic of a growing Christian. However, the Christian who fails to discern loses joy which then makes that person lose their strength. I love today’s verse… strength is found in the joy of the Lord.

We have certainly learned that happiness is based on circumstances but joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit born in our lives. As you begin your Monday, do you have joy present and visible for all to see? Are you a strong Christian due to your joy? What is keeping you from having joy? It truly is your choice! The demonstration of joy enthuses all of those around you for it is an unmistakable attribute given solely to the Christian who loves God!