There is one children’s church teaching that used to really bother me. Okay, it still does. I cringe every time I hear it.
It goes like this.
What do the letters J.O.Y. represent?
J- Jesus
O- Others
Y- Yourself
The children are told If you practice this formula you will find JOY!

What?

Growing up, I was a confused struggling young man. School was hard. I had no talent. And, I developed later than other kids. I tried to be funny. But, slow kids are not that funny. There was no place where I excelled.
I just knew, in the Church and with God it would be different.

But on Sunday I heard.
J – Jesus is Number One.
O – Others- Everyone else on the planet is in second place.
Y – You (meaning me) are in last place.

Dang! Even in God’s world I was last.

Bible Connection

God is love. Love is heaven’s currency. You are sooo loved. Receive His love. Sit in his love. Operate out of love. Let God’s love flow through you and out to your neighbor. See John 3:16

Here’s how I see it now!
J.O.Y. has been replaced. It is now J.M.O.
J-Jesus has a team. He loves me. He pursues me. He wants me on his team. He paid the ultimate price for me.
M-Me, I am picked, chosen, and loved. He is excited to have me on His team.
O-Others; “Hey, I noticed you made the team also. Awesome!”

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for loving me.
Amen