Joy has a job to do. Let me explain.

Imagine seeing Jesus crucified—and then alive again! The disciples did. Talk about an emotional roller coaster.

And what did Jesus tell them to do afterward? To get in touch with their feelings for ten years and then come back for some instructions when they’re feeling all warm and cozy inside? Nope. He gathered his disciples and told them to go make more disciples:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

That’s what I mean when I say that joy has a job to do. Resurrection joy doesn’t hide; it spreads.

Being and sharing Jesus’ love, truth and hope with others is definitely being faithful to his words. But there’s a side benefit too. It makes you more content. After all, you feel useful to God and a blessing to others!

It will involve prayer. It will involve knowledge about Jesus’ teachings. And it may involve a variety of other things, including providing for someone’s physical, mental or spiritual needs, or demonstrating the daily difference hope makes. But one thing’s for sure. Joy doesn’t sit on its hands.

Joy has a job to do. Therefore, so do you.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.