THE DISCIPLINE OF CELEBRATION

Dallas Willard (1935-2013) wrote,

“Here is one of the most important disciplines of engagement, yet most overlooked and misunderstood. It is the completion of worship, for it dwells on the greatness of God as shown in his goodness to us. We engage in celebration when we enjoy ourselves, our life, our world, in conjunction with our faith and confidence in God’s greatness, beauty, and goodness. We concentrate on our life and world as God’s work and God’s gift to us.”

It took me years to learn this sentence above: “We engage in celebration when we enjoy ourselves, our life, our world, in conjunction with our faith and confidence in God’s greatness, beauty, and goodness.” This is all determined by our view of God: as Father or as a religious scorekeeper. Our celebration will be either a performance of trying to be good or we will decide to play and be happy in the presence of the Lord. Maybe you too need to loosen some straps as you celebrate.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Jesus