When we depend on ourselves, we grumble and complain, lift ourselves up, tear others down, suffer and lose hope, distort the truth, and drift into dangerous error. When we are impressed with ourselves, we hoard rather than give, demand rather than serve, and stir up strife rather than bring peace. Does this sound like a joyful way of living? Not even close. The only way to true and lasting joy is in and through the person of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus’ transforming power, grumblers become like shining stars holding out hope; the haughty become the humble who consider others better than themselves; the persecuted rest secure because “to live is Christ and to die is gain”; and the truth is both enjoyed and embodied rather than trashed and twisted. The joy of the good news of being in Christ liberates us to advance Christ’s cause rather than our own; to give cheerfully; to bring peace where there is division; and to bring freedom where there is slavery. The way to joy is becoming like him in his death and spreading the hope of resurrection. The way to joy is Jesus.