Articles
Are You Really Happy?
Are you happy? Not just right at this moment, but are you really happy with your life? The world has searched and continues to search for happiness, while searching in all the wrong places. Do you know what true happiness really is? What would it take to make you completely happy? Some say it would take:
Wealth – Lots of Wealth. However, many rich people are unhappy. One of the wealthiest men to ever live, Solomon, said, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 5:10). In fact, the Bible teaches, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness " (I Timothy 6:7-11). Do you believe what God’s word says?
Power and Might. The world continues to fight, bite, scratch, cheat and steal to get to the top. Many find that once at the top, it's a very lonely place. They find it's a very scary and unsure position, having always to look over their shoulder for the next fellow that wants to be "happy". Power does not make one happy. Solomon says, "And I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Do you believe what God’s word says?
Elite Social Standing. Some think they would be the ultimate happy if they could just be the "BIG SHOT" or "BOSS HOG" in the community. Oh, the power struggles that go on in this world, to have that elusive, prime time, spot-lit pedestal. The Scriptures teach that the pleasures of this life are short lived (Hebrews 11:25), and that life itself is but "...a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14). Do you believe what God’s word says?
To Do Anything I Want When I Want. If everyone was to live like this, there would be no freedom or happiness for any one. There would be total chaos. The Wise Man said, after pursuing "if it feels good, do it", "behold all was vanity and striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Prisons are overflowing with people that followed this philosophy, and so are the grave yards! Moses said, "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:32).
True happiness cannot be obtained by brute force. You can't beg, borrow, or steal it. And, as many have found out the hard way, you can't even fake it. After one has fulfilled every worldly, lustful desire he can imagine, he would still not be truly happy. How then can man be truly happy? More next week, Lord willing.
