A renowned researcher observed that many Christians across the world are faced with the temptation to want to live like the unbelievers, which is one of the greatest threats to their faith.
By implication, some believers are already contemplating two opposing views: whether to conform to the world’s standards, which are contrary to God’s, or not. Some have stylishly modified their actions to justify their evil deeds.
Consequently, they have compromised their faith by embracing the notion that happiness can be achieved through any possible means, provided one is content. They have accepted and they live by some worldly principles that have jeopardised their faith.
A. Happiness in Wordily Things
What a misconception! As much as God wants us to be happy, we must be careful not to seek happiness through ungodly ways and things that are not pleasing to God. The focus of this article is centred on how to correct this wrong narrative before it further destroys the church.
1. Some Misconceptions about Happiness
There are some misunderstandings about the concept of happiness. Some people believe that happiness is based on what they have acquired, things they can see, places, and memories, pleasures of life, success and events. To them, it is outwardly triggered, and it is associated with good feelings or having a feeling of pleasure from what they enjoy. Sometimes in achievements such as passing an examination, getting employment, promotion, relocation and others.
Other misconceptions of happiness include some theories as propounded by some scholars. They are as follows:
Hedonic theory
It sees happiness as experiencing more pleasure and less pain. It connotes an effective component (high positive affect and low negative affect) and a sense of satisfaction with one’s life.
Eudemonic theory
It says happiness comes as the result of the pursuit and attainment of life purpose, meaning, challenge, and personal growth. It is based on reaching one’s full potential and operating or functioning at one’s full capacity.
End-goal
Others say it is the end goal for human beings. Therefore, pursuing happiness is pointless (although pursuing other important experiences and feelings may contribute to greater happiness.
Purpose
Some others assume that happiness can be purposefully increased or enhanced.
These assumptions or definitions have madee the concept of happiness worthless. The reason being that happiness is momentary and when the things that cause happiness cease, one will perpetually remain unhappy.
From lessons above, the main problem individuals in our society face today in matters relating to happiness has to do with their interpretation as well as their understanding of the concept. Scholars interpret happiness to connote an understanding that happiness is not necessarily an internal or external experience, but can be both.
It is said to be a state, not a trait. People are looking for ways to be happy at all costs, but after engaging in things they felt would give them happiness, they discover that they have not yet achieved their desire. This has probably led many people to commit suicide and die unfulfilled.
2. Worldly Ways People Seek Happiness
People seek happiness in different ways; the following are three dangerous ways they seek it.
The sinful cravings
Many people crave sinful things, whereby they begin to satisfy themselves in ways that dishonour God and His Word. Such examples are drunkenness, immorality, engaging in devious acts, going to bad parties and many more. Their major concern is to satisfy their immediate desire.
The lust of the eyes
It can be described as the sinful desire to want to have the things we see, such as money, material possessions, houses, cars, or even looking at someone lustfully. This also has to do with greed and self-centeredness.
Boasting
Some people are boastful of what they have, and this makes them happy because they feel these things are important. Therefore, they become intoxicated by influence or affluence. Unfortunately, these things are frail.
Disciples of Jesus should avoid any boastful attitude or behaviour that will separate them from God.
3. Dangers of Seeking Happiness in Worldly Things
Believers in Christ should not seek happiness in worldly things because of the dangers in them. For example, it can break one’s relationship with God and separate one from His plans. When man decides to live without God, he walks into destruction, which leads to his end. Other dangers of seeking happiness in worldly things include the following:
Spiritual death
Anyone who decides to seek happiness that is not from Jesus Christ, the source, will soon die spiritually. Unfortunately, spiritual death can easily open the door to both physical and eternal death.
Purposeless lifestyle
It is only in God’s revelation of Himself, His plan and purpose that man can find relevance, and it is only in Him that life is purposeful. To ignore God, therefore, is to rely on oneself, and this is against God’s plan for His people.
Unfaithfulness
Those who derive pleasure in seeking happiness in the things of the world are deceitful, whether at home or workplace.
Instability
Some people are unstable because of their desire to seek happiness in the things of the world. When they do not get what they desire, they begin to fall apart.
Conclusion
As it has been carefully analysed, the desire to seek happiness from worldly things is not biblical. It is an idea the devil has deceitfully planted in the hearts of believers to destroy their testimony and the church, and to turn the church against its purpose of existence.
It also makes human beings view life from a different perspective that negates God’s revelation of Himself, His plans, and purpose for humankind. Furthermore, it encourages humankind to choose to live a life pattern that contradicts biblical injunctions.
Disciples of Jesus, therefore, should be mindful of the temptation to seek happiness from worldly things. Our focus should be on the source of true happiness, God, from whom all blessings flow.
Prayer
Please,e God, help Your children to focus on You as the only source of true happiness.
B. Happiness in Godly Things
One cannot experience true happiness except he or she has a genuine relationship with God. Your love for God and your obedience to His instructions determine your level of happiness. This section is a continuation of what we studied in the first section.
It centres on the fact that it is only in developing a fixed relationship with God that humankind can secure true happiness. Therefore, it is important for believers to understand how they can seek happiness in godly things as well as help other believers to do likewise. The focus here is centred on how believers can seek happiness in godly things.
4. Seeking Happiness in Godly Things
The lesson is seeking happiness in godly things. Unfortunately, basepeople basic their happiness on achievements and material things such as getting a promotion, getting contracts, being pregnant after a period of waiting, having a successful delivera y, securing new job, etc.
They do not know some of these things are momentary or emotional experiences that have little or no impact on our spiritual being. Nevertheless, there are godly things that can bring lasting happiness to Christians. Some of the following are as follows.
Growing faith
Believers should be intentional about their spiritual growth. When they are growing in the faith, they should be happy. A believer that grows his or her faith trusts God, believes in Him and His Word with the readiness to please Him at all times. This type of faith gives lasting peace and happiness in the heart of the children of God.
Godly peace
Christians who put their trust totally in God usually have peace. Jesus says, “My peace I give you, not according to how the world gives.” When Christians have peace, they will also experience happiness and rest in place of worries.
Hope
The greatest enemy of happiness is hopelessness. Hope gives inner strength and happiness to move ahead even in times of trouble. In other words, when hope is alive in a man, happiness comes alive while doubts and fear disappear.
Contentment
Contentment is a godly virtue. It is the state of being satisfied with what one has and ttrustingGod to continue to supply our needs. It also reminds us that everything we have is given by God, and must be used for His glory alone (1 Corinthians 10 31).
Godly attitudes
Godly attitudes such as love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and self-control should bring about a believer’s happiness. Interestingly, when Christians exhibit a godly attitude, it attracts unbelievers to Christ. A Christian who possesses godly character becomes a model for others to follow ,and in so doing, it brings happinesston the lives of people around them.
5. Engaging in Activities That Bring Happiness
Having discussed some godly things that result in happiness, it is also important to know that the bedrock that results in happiness is love. Our love for God and fellow brethren can result in happiness and joy in the hearts of believers.
The reason is that our love for God will certainly reflect our relationship with our neighbours, which is a confirmation of the nature of the relationship that exists between us and God. However, the following are some qualities that can give believers and the people around them happiness.
Trust God and His Word
God truly cares for humankind an, has a plan to enlist us as part of His kingdom family (Hebrews 2:11). Proverbs 16:20 says, “Whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.” Trust in God and His will for our lives brings happiness.
Keeping the Laws of God
The law of God helps us to know God. It specifically reveals His Will, character, and attributes. However, in scripture, the “Law of God” certainly includes commandments. God’s commands given to His children are to regulate their lives and morality; therefore, whosoever keeps them will enjoy blessedness.
Read Deuteronomy 9. God knows what is best for His children; His law is structured to keep believers happy. Read Proverbs 29:18. Obeying God’s laws will improve our relationship with Him and with other people. Loving God and obeying Him are the bedrock of happiness.
Apply God’s Wisdom
From the biblical perspective, wisdom is simply the practical application of God’s law in everyday living. Those who choose to live by godly wisdom are shielded from many undesirable situations that make people unhappy.
Commitment
Anyone who is committed to the things of God will always find reasons to be happy even in the face of troubles. As you read the Word of god and meditate on it daily, you gain more confidence in God, and by so doing, it brings happiness into your life.
Conclusion
It is interesting to know that people have different definitions of what makes them temporarily happy. However, we have remained in the cause of the lesson that it is only in God that we can find true happiness. This will happen in obeying Him, saying no to temptations and sins and waiting on Him for daily instructions.
Above all, when we are guided by His law, the result is happiness. He will defend, care, provide and support us in times of troubles, spiritual weaknesses, disappointment, or other challenging situations, according to His promise to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). This is the reason we must always keep our hearts pure for His approval.
Roadmap for You
The desire to seek happiness from worldly things has caused many disasters such as marital unfaithfulness, corruption, untimely death and so on. It is one of the main causes of marital infidelity.
The high rate of divorce/separation and all forms of corruption in Nigeria, as well as across the globe, have also affected the church negatively, separating brethren from God’s plan and making them go contrary to the will of God.
Seeking happiness from worldly things has led so many astray; some have become drug addicts, smokers, drunkards, and kidnappers; and some others are involved in rituals and other wicked activities. There is no place for God in their lives because their attention is always towards becoming rich and famous in life, as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, more people are committing suicide in recent times as a result of frustration, extreme desire for attainment of life purpose and other unreasonable set targets because of their unsuccessful attempt to seek happiness through worldly things. Believers in Christ should not compromise their faith just to become rich. You can read a similar post on this page.
