Happiness or Holiness

“It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.”  (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life)

Sad to say many people believe it is about them and their happiness.  As Americans, we hold to the words of the Declaration of Independence when it says we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Our society pitches that line to us every day.  The ultimate goal in life is to be happy.

This belief also carries over into the lives of many Christians.  Some believers truly think it is God’s job to make them happy.  Somewhere amid the prosperity theology and biblical illiteracy, a belief has emerged that the Christian life should be about personal happiness.  Some think God’s role is to be a spiritual genie ready to grant our every wish.  As long as one lives right, (this is a personal definition--not a Biblical definition), God must give what is asked for.  The problem with this thinking is that frustration and disillusionment towards God easily sets in when He doesn’t deliver as requested.

Warren goes on to explain in his book that the fact is that our lives are about becoming what God intended us to be.  Happiness may be a by-product, but it is not the ultimate goal.  God never desires our lives to be happy when it is based in sinful actions or driven by circumstances.  God’s desire is that we be holy, not happy.  Holiness, becoming more like him, is not dependant on circumstances or human criterion of success.  Holiness produces an internal joy that is based in a personal relationship with the Lord.  This joy in our lives stands, and can even increase, amid some of the most unhappy times.  In life there will be happy times and difficult trials, yet for the true believer’s life, the joy of the Lord is unaffected.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God--not happiness and not material things. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things we need will be given.

Are you striving for temporary happiness or for eternal holiness?  Come see us Sunday. We will be taking about that.

Pastor Jeff