The 2016 College Football National Championship was won in dramatic fashion by the Clemson Tigers. As time ran out on the clock, jubilant pandemonium broke out among Clemson coaches, players, and fans. When interviewed by television crews immediately after the game, Clemson coach, Dabo Swinney, said he simply had no words to describe his joy over the win.

The books of Psalms and Philippians emphasize that the believer should remain in a constant state of rejoicing. Our joy should be rooted in things far more lasting and important than any athletic championship. The Apostle Paul’s letters reveal what Christians should be focusing on as their source of joy. Paul told the saints at Corinth, “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity…we have had our conversation in the world…” (II Corinthians 1:12). A clean conscience about living a godly life before others brought him joy. Paul also told them, “…we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus” (II Corinthians 1:14). At this time, the Corinthians found joy in their relationship with Paul who had ministered God’s Word to them. These believers, who Paul led to the Lord, were a great source of joy because they represented great eternal reward. Paul said he chose to “…rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). His assurance of one day beholding the glory of God, and also being glorified with Christ, as is further explained in Romans 8:17 and Colossians 3:4, brought him great rejoicing. Paul had learned to “rejoice with them that do rejoice…” (Romans 12:15). When other saints rejoiced over victories or blessings in their lives, he allowed it to likewise bring him satisfying joy. Paul wrote that his response was that: “… if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all” (Philippians 2:17). It was no drudgery for him to sacrificially serve the needs of other believers; it was a deep-seated pleasure. Perhaps most importantly, Paul learned to “…rejoice in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 3:3). This implies he found joy in the Savior’s holiness, humility in coming as the Son of Man, loving sacrifice for our sins, continuous longsuffering grace, and much more.

Likewise, may we choose to rejoice in these eternally-important things and place them in higher esteem than the fleeting things that captivate the hearts of many.