The Pursuit of Happiness

Among the inalienable rights endowed us by our creator that are listed in the 
Declaration of Independence is the right to pursue "happiness."  And pursue it we do!  
Americans are obsessed with being happy.  I suspect if we were to take a survey, 
happiness would be the most often listed item that Americans desire.  We want to be 
happy.

Unfortunately, most of us do not know where happiness is found.  Teenagers think that 
as soon as they get that car, they will somehow find happiness.  Wrong!  High School 
seniors think that as soon as they can graduate, they'll find happiness.  Wrong again!  
College students believe that landing that first job will assure happiness.  Sorry, wrong 
again!

Of course, marriage will bring happiness.  Just find that perfect spouse and everything 
will be great.  Right?  WRONG!  There are no perfect spouses and marriage doesn't 
assure happiness.  I think you know where I'm going with this.  As Americans, we 
believe that happiness is always just around the corner.  If we can just make enough 
money, buy a bigger house, get that boat on the lake, get those kids through college 
and, of course, finally retire, somewhere out there we'll find happiness.  Wrong!  
WRONG!  WRONG!

Happiness is not found in any of these things.  Sure, they may bring temporary pleasure 
and contribute to a more pleasant lifestyle.  But they cannot assure happiness.  
Happiness is not found in things or attainments.  Happiness is found in God and the 
simple blessings He gives.

Jesus gave the keys to happiness when he preached what is referred to as the "Sermon 
on the Mount."  If you want to be happy, Jesus said, learn to put your faith in God, not 
yourself (Matthew 5:3).  If you want to be happy, cry with someone who is hurting and 
let them know how much you care  (Matthew 5:4).  If you want to be happy, show a 
gentle spirit to others, while seeking to treat others in a good and right way (Matthew 
5:5-6).  If you want to be happy, show mercy to someone who has hurt you and is now 
hurting himself or herself because of it (Matthew 5:7).  If you want to be happy, seek to 
walk simply in the ways of the Nazarene  (Matthew 5:8).  If you want to be happy, suffer 
with Christ by sharing the peace-bringing message of His salvation to those who are 
lost  (Matthew 5:9-10).  If you want to be happy, stop for a moment and realize the 
blessings Jesus has given us in His family and among His people.  Share the 
fellowship, join in the work, and praise the Name of Him who made it all possible!

There's where happiness is truly found!


Leslie S. Chapman