Don’t let anyone steal your joy. How many times have I heard this inside church walls or heard it coming from my own lips. Life can be hard. For some, their experiences that drive them to a depth of despair wanes in comparison to those of us fortunate to escape the grip that devastation can leash upon us. It seems that attacks come when least expected and especially when minding our own business. A great image illustrating juggling life’s needs was shown during our time on Alaskan waters to observe whales.

As our boat pilot made the way back to the harbor, we passed a buoy where sea lions were sunbathing. Every inch of the buoy’s base was covered by these magnificent playful creatures, yet displaying their human-like emotions too. We watched as a sea lion who was swimming at the base of the buoy kept attempting to jump up and join in leisure time. Each attempt was met with one his buddies pushing him back. Selfishness and an unwillingness to share was quite evident. He never did succeed, choosing to remain swimming nearby instead.

Shortly after witnessing our swimmer’s attempts to sunbathe, we came in view of another sea lion who had caught his mid afternoon snack, holding a salmon in his mouth as he tilted his head back to chew and digest. From out of nowhere a bald eagle swooped down in an attempt to steal the salmon. Not wanting to give up his tasty morsel or have his successful catch of the day be stolen, our sea lion held onto his meal, kept his head above water and came out victorious. The eagle retreated, most likely in search of another opportunity to rob a fellow creature of its meal or hopefully catch his own.

Isn’t this what we often do, too? How many times do we become another person’s irritant or bully? Are there too many occasions where our words or actions do more harm than good?

In 1 Thessalonians we read “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”  It’s important to read what comes before the “So”…”For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.”  Paul, the writer of the book, goes on to tell us to “honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work.” “Show them great respect”. “Live peacefully with each other.” “Take tender care of those who are weak…be patient with everyone.” “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people”. “Always be joyful.” Chapter 5 contains a rich list of how God would have us conduct ourselves inside and outside our churches.

So, my encouragement to you today is that 1) maybe you’d take time to read Chapter 5 in 1 Thessalonians and circle the action phrases 2) ask yourself this question: am I swooping in to steal what isn’t mine  and am I choosing to be an encourager? 3) Do the words and conversations I engage in build others up or am I consumed by a critical spirit?

Another writer found in the New Testament is James who wrote these words found in Chapter 3. “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.” 

How wonderful and grateful I am that an afternoon encounter between a sea lion and bald eagle taught me the depth of meaning in Jame’s words to Christians. Rather than steal someone’s joy I can join in celebrating with them. Instead of taking credit for someone else’s hard work, offer respect and acknowledgement for a job well done. 

So,  if you’re trying to join your buddies in an afternoon of laziness, only to find yourself being pushed away or bullied, find new friends. The buoy might be crowded…there’s other places to lounge under blue skies and sunshine. It’s okay to hold onto what you’ve worked hard to obtain, while still pondering generosity to others at the same time.