“ Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence much better than scattered individuals. The fire of God kindles higher as the brands are heaped together and each is warned by the other’s flame. The members of the body must be in contact if they are to sustain and be sustained by each other.” —Dallas Willard

Serving others through celebration might be one of the most fun forms of a spiritual discipline that is available to us. The purpose of serving others this way is to demonstrate worth and value to others through the building up and celebration of who they are. It can be something as simple as taking a friend out to coffee and using that time to tell them how special they are. It can also be sharing in joys with friends and family at things like birthdays, weddings, and major accomplishments. If you can think of a way to share in the joy of genuine gratitude- that is an avenue to serve through celebration.

In order to serve someone through celebration we must confront the sin of envy. Envy is the sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others, especially the spiritual enjoyment and advance of the kingdom of Christ freely and graciously bestowed upon the people of God. As redeemed saints and children of the living God, we’re to seek wholeness in Christ, not in what we attain or don’t have. In Christ we have all that we need. In Christ we find purpose. Because our worth is in ChristIn, we should do more than merely rejoicing with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. —Romans 12:9-12

Instead of just celebrating our fellow Christians, we should go out of our way to honor them and we should share their good news with others as though it’s our good news. When celebrating we should give in to fun and enjoy each other for who we are.

Growth Challenge - Celebrate someone

Take some time this week to celebrate someone openly. You can use an event coming up, accomplishment, or just celebrate your friendship with someone.

Tell them why you want to spend time with them
-“I want to celebrate x with you.” “I’m really proud of you.”
-“I’m thankful for our friendship and I want to celebrate it”
-“I appreciate you and just want to spend time with you.
If you can’t do this in person call them or even better video call them.
Have fun and fully express the joy that comes from genuine gratitude.