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The Pursuit of Happiness

As Americans, we are heirs of a culture that is fixated on the concept of happiness as an acquisition…something that is to be pursued, chased after, worked toward.  The implication is that happiness is not something that we have, but a deficiency which can only be fulfilled through effort.  I think there’s a nugget of truth in this, but it’s been hijacked by lies that many of us get tripped-up in believing.  There is a pursuit that produces happiness, but it’s a byproduct rather than the goal itself…and it doesn’t come from us.  There are also vast, well-traveled highways that reward pursuers with glimpses of happiness as they venture farther & farther from it.
We were made for much more than happiness…it’s simply not enough.  “Happiness” has to do with “happenings,” ergo the way to get happy and stay happy is to control the things that happen to you…or that happen because of you.  But we know that this world is far beyond our control, right?   Yet we try every moment of every day to fill that void.
  • “If I watch this…
  • “If I eat these…
  • “If I manipulate these circumstances…
  • “If I indulge in…
  • “If I am noticed and admired by…
  • “If I get this promotion…
  • “If I make this money…
  • “If I can be more successful than….
  • “If I buy this…
  • “If I sleep with…“If I drive that…
  • …THEN I will be happy!”

…Until I’m not anymore. Right?  What do we really need in order to be happy, anyway?
There is a God, the Living One who is actually there and at work in His creation to restore the hope and love with which He created it.  His is the realm of the Spirit; which invites us into union with Him, His values, and the delights that come to those who trust Him.  There is also an enemy, one whose defeat has been clinched yet his poison continues to distort all that is good.  His is the realm of the Flesh; which entices our desires, lusts, and jealousies to take control of our own destinies and pursue happiness as an end unto itself.  There is also you and me, God’s image-bearers who are dearly loved, who are called upon to choose whom we will pursue. 

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:5-11)

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:13-25)

“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man [or woman] of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

This morning, as I continue my journey of seeking the Lord Jesus for the contentment and peace that only come through Him, I’m reminded of these things.  I say AMEN to them, and commit my way to pursuing HIM; knowing that I can trust Him to give me what I need.

By catalystshawn

Shawn is the founding Minister/Executive Director of Catalyst NW, launched in 2007. Before starting Catalyst, Shawn was a full-time Youth Pastor and Church Planter in traditional churches for 13-years. Shawn and his wife Marina live in Tualatin, OR, and are actively involved with Grace Chapel in Wilsonville. They have 2 adult kids who are their pride & joy, one funny little dog, and a cuddly cat.