| All of us have to do things out of a sense of duty, not joy. You know what it's like, you go and visit grumpy Uncle Fred on Boxing Day every year, because he happens to be your mum's brother. Yes, his house smells and he never remembers your name but you have go, it's your duty because he's family. So maybe it's not such a big deal to visit Uncle Fred once a year; but what if everything in your life was in that category; that's no way to live. Yet some people treat the Christian life like that. It's as if following Jesus has been reduced to a list of boring and annoying things that you have to do now because you're in God's family. If that sounds anything like you today, you need to know that's not how God wants you to live. God has wired you to thrive through times of fun and relaxation. They're not unspiritual! Without them you become unbalanced and you open yourself to mood swings and stress-related illnesses. Yes, you're called to help others, but it's not wrong to do things for yourself, to receive from God, and those He sends to bless you. If somebody compliments you, accept it graciously; if they want to give you a gift, thank them warmly; it's your duty to receive as much as it is to give!
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