I have known a lot of people who think religion, especially the Christian religion, takes all the fun out of life. Their definitions of fun and of Christianity don’t agree with my long experience as a Christian. When someone says, “Let’s have some fun,” It will usually be at the expense of others. Teasing and humiliating are called “making fun of” them. Religion is seen as living by a strict set of rules with serious life or death consequences; tuning life into a spiritual minefield. Is everything in my Christian life enjoyable? Of Course not! Everyone goes through difficult times in life, but Christians never have to go through them alone. The bad times have been made bearable. I’ve experienced joy in my Christian life that is fun on steroids. I laugh many times each day. I find enjoyment in helping others instead of putting them down. I feel better about myself when I help others feel better. Former atheists like C.S. Lewis and Lee Strobel have expressed their surprise at the added joy and satisfaction they experienced as part of their Christian life.
Religion used to mean worshipping a deity with offerings and sacrifices in a prescribed ritual with the help of priests to please a god, even the God. But when Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for all who believe in and follow Him, everything changed drastically. Everyone who repents of sin and believes in Christ Jesus is granted a new spirit and God’s spirit takes up a dwelling place in our heart to show us God’s plans for us and guide us. An important part of receiving a new spirit and the Holy Spirit is being filled with the mercy, grace and love of God. Jesus described it as being born again in the third chapter of the Gospel of John. That rebirth is the beginning of a new life as God’s adopted son or daughter.
God no longer waits for us to come to Him in the tabernacle, temple or church. He is with us everywhere we go. That is why I have written so many times that becoming a Christian is not joining a religion, but beginning a relationship with God through Jesus. We can praise and worship God anywhere in spirit and in truth, but when we meet with other born again believers, God’s Holy Spirit within each of us is magnified and manifest with spiritual power. We worship with thanksgiving and song; we feed on the preaching of God’s word; and we fellowship with each other. Our tithes and offerings are no longer presented to receive salvation for our sins, but as a way to return to God a portion of the blessings He has given us.
The Christian life is positive, not negative. When we follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we are shown so many wholesome, positive things to say and do we don’t have time to worry about what is forbidden. We don’t miss the “fun” of our old life because of the joy that comes from living as our Creator intends us to live.