Real Christian life is not about repression, as some people think, it is about an expression. I am fully convinced that it is not conforming to the law, but developing and expressing of our gifts that brings us fulfillment and joy.

The first commandment that was given to humans by God was to be fruitful and to multiply (Genesis 1:28). Since people cannot be reduced to animals, it is evident that this primary commandment also cannot be reduced to physical reproduction. We are called to bring forth fruits of our own kind, and because God endowed us with many different gifts, talents and abilities, we all can produce unique fruits, the ones that bless the world is a special way.

But what about the commandment to love God with all of our heart, and to love our neighbors? How does it fit into this scheme of things? It wont be a difficult question for us when we understand that there is more in love to God than worship, and there is more in love to people than respect.

We truly love God when we become active co-workers and co-creators with God.
We truly love people when we serve them with our gifts.

Do you remember the parable about talents that Jesus told in Matthew 25?

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability, and immediately he went on a journey".
Matthew 25:14,15

To me, this says something important about God. By giving us the talents He manifests great faith in us. Yes, that is right! Not only we need to have faith in God in it important to remember that He believes in us. He has confidence that we wont abuse the gifts that are offered to us, but will use them in a positive way, for our benefit, and for the benefit of others.

Second, God does not interfere with our choices. Some people like to think that they are merely puppets in Gods hand, and He pulls the string every time we do something wrong. But this is not true. Master in the parable went on a journey, he did not stay to watch for his servants. Of course it does not mean that Gods presence leaves us, even for a second. He is always with us, but His goal is to empower us, not to control. We have the free will. We are fully responsible for the choices we make in using His power.

The day of the lords return in this parable is a symbol of the fruits that we bring forth after using of our gifts. Let us not think that judgment will happen at some future point of time. Judgment is not a day, it is a process of reaping what we sown, or receiving our reward. It is an ongoing process. Today you are judged for the things youve done in the past. Tomorrow you will give an account for what you are doing today. Would you like to create a better tomorrow? Make sure to throw some good seeds in the ground today!

The lord expected an increase from his servants! The same is true for you and me. God still expects us to fulfill His original commandment to be fruitful and to multiply. Traditionally, Christians emphasized obeying 10 Commandments, and, of course, they were given for our benefit, and there is a reward in keeping them. However, it is possible to keep all 10 Commandments and to remain failure in Gods eyes for they have little to do with using of our talents. The last servant in the parable was not judged for doing something wrong with his money. He was judged for remaining barren and fruitless, in spite of all the potential for growth that was available to him.

When we live according to the law of an expression, two things happen. First, we increase our gifts (Matthew 25:21,23). Second, we enter into the joy of our Lord!

Enter into the joy of your lord.

Would you like to experience the joy of the Lord in its fullness? We may pray for joy, affirm joy and meditate on an idea of joy, but these things wont do us much good until we decide to be active in fulfilling of our call and using of our gifts.

God-kind of joy is a by-product of living a God-kind of life.