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Steve Backlund

Is Joy Really One-Third of the Kingdom?


Is Joy Really One-Third of the Kingdom?

By Steve Backlund


When I first heard someone say,”Joy is one-third of the kingdom,” I thought, “I don’t think so.” Now I am convinced it is. Let me share why. 


“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).


Could every aspect of the kingdom be put under righteousness, peace, and joy? 


Let’s first look at righteousness and peace being one-third of the kingdom. 


Righteousness’ key parts of the kingdom 

  • New birth and new creation (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

  • Having victory over sin (Romans 6:11; Galatians 2:20)

  • Reigning in life (Romans 5:17)


Peace’s key parts of the kingdom

  • Hebrews 4 rest

  • Trusting we have eternal life (John 3:16) and all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)

  • It reveals the power of impartation (Luke 10:6)


Is joy then also one-third of the kingdom? I say yes, because when we pursue joy, we will be compelled to:


  • Overcome the real enemies of the kingdom (victim mindsets, pessimism, fear, unworthiness, insignificance, etc.)

  • Let go of dysfunctional relational habits

  • Surrender independence, impulsiveness, and control

  • Uproot religious, performance based God-concepts

  • Deal with the doubt and double mindedness fueling our lack of attaching faith to our assignments, responsibilities, and commitments. 


When I stopped being passive about joy and asked the question, “Why am I not radically joyful now?” I realized that answering that question would help me to grow in my walk with the Lord and accelerate my maturity in Him. 


I have never found a convenient season to be radically joyful. There always seems to be a reason why this season is not a good one for joy. That ongoing delusion hindered me from experiencing more of the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).


Before I go on, let me say no one should be condemned for not being joyful. Certainly there are seasons of mourning, grief, and even godly sorrow (1 Samuel 16:1, Romans 12:15, 2 Corinthians 7:10), but if a lack of joy is a lifestyle, it will hinder us in experiencing the fullness of this life that Jesus promised us and in releasing more of the kingdom to others to experience the same fullness of joy. 


Here are some ideas for how to increase the joy part of the kingdom in your life:

  1. Consume messages on joy - my book Igniting Joy in 40 Days is a great devotional on joy

  2. Meditate on joy scriptures - it will grow more real as you do

  3. Teach or lead a book study on joy - the more you talk about, the more you will experience

  4. Expect joy in God’s presence - “In His presence is fullness of joy (Ps 16:11)

  5. Build up your muscle of laughter - It will help you be emotionally and physically strong (Proverbs 17:22)

  6. Laugh at lies - this is what our heavenly father does (Psalm 2:4)


A closing thought - if joy is one-third of the kingdom, then at least one-third of you who are reading this should believe one of your primary assignments is to advance the kingdom through joy. It is one of mine. As those who have this calling embrace it and believe it, then God will give wisdom and guidance on how it will creatively manifest through us. Truly, we need more leaders who are joy catalysts. If you are one of them,dedicate (or rededicate) yourself to this assignment right now. The church and world will be glad you did.

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