The Pursuit of Happiness

Apr 08, 2008

Christians live with joy, right? What about happiness? No, that is too self indulgent and fleshly. What is the difference between happiness and joy? Some would say joy is an attitude and happiness is an emotion. One pastor often said,“Joy is dependent on Jesus and happiness is dependent on happenings.” It was such an easy way to remember the distinction, I was caught by it. It became my doctrine of happiness and simply resolved the whole matter of positive emotions. Well, at least until I came to study the Bible again on the topic. There is an old saying, "The preacher giveth and the Bible taketh away…" that’s the King James version anyway.

As I have been studying the beatitudes in Matthew 5, I have come to a distinctly different conclusion about emotions and Christ's teaching. Jesus describes in several paradoxical statements in these beatitudes how the Christ follower can have extraordinary happiness, translated “blessed.” It is an eye opener for the Christian that would squeeze out each day every ounce of life. Is it possible that Christ is calling us to extraordinary happiness? The key to happiness, as I see it, is to reinterpret life. I will be starting a six week series called, "The Pursuit of Happiness" starting on May 4th.

What is your view on happiness and joy? What makes you happy? Should Christians be happy?

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