Celebrating Well

Being a Cincinnati Bengals fan for most of my life, I did not have much reason to celebrate. The team had not won a playoff game since 1990 and could only manage an average of six wins a season between 1990-2020. Then came 2021, and the Bengals somehow made it to the Super Bowl. Despite the loss in the game itself, it was lots of fun to celebrate something so rare as a Bengals Super Bowl bid. I had loads of friends joining in the celebration as well, which made it so much better. 

Finding victory is awesome. But there is something special about being able to celebrate that victory.  One of the important ways to achieve the unity as a team that Jesus spoke of is to celebrate together. When you win a big game, when one of your teammates or coaches achieves a milestone, when a player finishes well and is ready to head to the next new thing, these are all reasons to get together and have fun. And it can show God to others. 

Celebration, especially for the follower of Christ, should always be done from gratefulness and joy and praise to Him.

Our excitedness over being forgiven should reflect the love of the Lord to the world. Jesus’ work on the cross is a victory, a victory God accredits to us who repent and trust in it. His forgiveness of our sins is a victory. Therefore, we should always be celebrating. And when we gather together in joy and thankfulness, it is all the sweeter because we’re celebrating as God designed us to do so. 

The end of John 17:23 says, “… that the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” 

Remember, when we celebrate with others for a victory or achievement or a strong finish, we are loving and serving them by joining them in their joy. That will create a bond that is hard to break, and it is in a community of love and service that God is most reflected.