Are you pursuing happiness? What if the road you’re on doesn’t end there?
“Now hold it right there for just a minute. I’m an American. Happiness is my right!”
Is it? The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Pursuing happiness and achieving happiness isn’t the same thing. As someone once wryly observed, “Happiness is in the pursuit thereof.”
So is happiness a destination or just the journey? Maybe both.
In the 1960’s a popular song declared, “Happiness is different things to different people.” And as they say, “Truer words were never spoken.”
What is happiness to you? How would you define it?
American frontier hero Daniel Boone famously said, “All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse and a good wife.” (I wonder how his wife felt about that!)
Fascinating new research reveals that certain choices and behaviors determine our happiness.
In a July 2008 Reader’s Digest article, “Why We’re Happy,” Arthur C. Brooks admits he “had always thought that marching to the beat of my own drummer and making up my own values as I went along were the right things to do, and that traditional values…were for suckers.”
It turns out he was in for a surprise. Brooks’ research found that the number one predictor of happiness was a person’s faith. He writes, “In general, religious Americans (those who attend a place of worship almost every week or more) are happier than those who rarely or never attend.”
Brooks also discovered that secularists were nearly twice as likely as religious people to say, “I’m a failure.”
Other happiness predictors were a strong work ethic, a good marriage, giving back through charity and living in a free society. But, while economic, religious and political freedom brings happiness, a lack of restrictions on moral behavior, did not. Loose living brought unhappiness.
Brooks adds, “People who feel they have unlimited moral choices in their lives when it comes to matters of sex or drugs, for example, tend to be unhappier.”
Did you catch that? People are happier living within the limits of Biblical morality than when they have unlimited moral choices! Why do so few see that? Because of a false view of God.
Many people view God as a stern grandfatherly type. They see him as looking down from the windows of Heaven--and when he sees someone having a good time, he says, “Now cut that out!” They think God is anti-happiness.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Bible gives us a picture of a holy God who loves us more than we know. He made us to experience joy, peace and fulfillment through a personal relationship with him. And he has gone out of his way to reveal himself to us through nature and through the Bible.
If that’s not your picture of God then I invite you to set aside your ideas about him and pick up a Bible again. Get a reliable modern translation like the New International Version.
Then turn to the New Testament and read the Gospel of John. Or read the story of the Lost Son in the Gospel of Luke chapter 15. Let Jesus introduce you to the God who loves you.
Only the Bible can put you on the path that leads to a joyful life now and lasts forever.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Believable Hope
Is the USA “the hope of the world”? If so, we’re in big trouble.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love my country. It has a lot going for it.
But to say this country is “the hope of the world”—as a politician did several weeks ago at a national convention—is a little over the top.
Talking about hope is all the rage this election cycle. And hope is a good thing. But if our hope is in the wrong thing it will be a sad thing. A disappointed hope.
In his book “The Audacity of Hope,” Presidential candidate Barack Obama sees a future that involves repairing a “political process that is broken” and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with people.
Amazon.com asked Obama to summarize the main idea of his book in a follow up interview. He said it was, “Get involved in an issue that you’re passionate about.”
Passion is good but, unfortunately, passion by itself doesn’t save the day. We live in a day of political polarization. The right and the left are full of passion. But they seem more intent on destroying each other than on governing effectively.
Now hold it right there for just a minute. If that’s the case, where can we find hope?
What people desperately need is the true Man of Hope. And according to the Bible, Jesus Christ and his church are the hope of the world. Jesus is the real deal.
The hope offered in Christ is a peace that Jesus said is “not of this world.” It involves a complete reconciliation that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet—reconciliation with God and with our fellow man.
The hope offered by politicians and governments is the absence of conflict. “Peace” treaties don’t actually bring peace. All they bring is the cessation of war. Ending hostilities doesn’t automatically end conflict. Anyone that’s been in a schoolyard fight knows that.
To end conflict requires changing the human heart. And the only hope of changing the human heart is the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that, even though we can’t meet God’s standard of goodness (the Ten Commandments), God provided a way for us to be forgiven. And what a plan!
Jesus Christ met God’s standard perfectly. But on the cross he took sin’s punishment as our substitute. God accepts that and forgives us when we repent and turn from our sin.
Then the Bible says, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” And if you have ever met someone who is truly converted, the change is remarkable.
What about the church? In the New Testament book of Acts we see a church focused on serving God and serving others. They proclaimed the simple gospel of Jesus Christ: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Lives were changed. Needs were met.
What the church does that’s unique is offer Jesus Christ to the world. And when people turn to Christ they find hope where they were hopeless.
In the church people find a community that accepts, loves and encourages them to be all that God made them to be. When a church is working right it’s an amazing place!
No church is perfect. But we have a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. Through faith in him we have peace with God and man, joy in our hearts and the forgiveness of sin.
All of that plus God’s promise of eternal life--now that’s a hope you can believe in!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Now don’t get me wrong. I love my country. It has a lot going for it.
But to say this country is “the hope of the world”—as a politician did several weeks ago at a national convention—is a little over the top.
Talking about hope is all the rage this election cycle. And hope is a good thing. But if our hope is in the wrong thing it will be a sad thing. A disappointed hope.
In his book “The Audacity of Hope,” Presidential candidate Barack Obama sees a future that involves repairing a “political process that is broken” and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with people.
Amazon.com asked Obama to summarize the main idea of his book in a follow up interview. He said it was, “Get involved in an issue that you’re passionate about.”
Passion is good but, unfortunately, passion by itself doesn’t save the day. We live in a day of political polarization. The right and the left are full of passion. But they seem more intent on destroying each other than on governing effectively.
Now hold it right there for just a minute. If that’s the case, where can we find hope?
What people desperately need is the true Man of Hope. And according to the Bible, Jesus Christ and his church are the hope of the world. Jesus is the real deal.
The hope offered in Christ is a peace that Jesus said is “not of this world.” It involves a complete reconciliation that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet—reconciliation with God and with our fellow man.
The hope offered by politicians and governments is the absence of conflict. “Peace” treaties don’t actually bring peace. All they bring is the cessation of war. Ending hostilities doesn’t automatically end conflict. Anyone that’s been in a schoolyard fight knows that.
To end conflict requires changing the human heart. And the only hope of changing the human heart is the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ.
The good news is that, even though we can’t meet God’s standard of goodness (the Ten Commandments), God provided a way for us to be forgiven. And what a plan!
Jesus Christ met God’s standard perfectly. But on the cross he took sin’s punishment as our substitute. God accepts that and forgives us when we repent and turn from our sin.
Then the Bible says, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” And if you have ever met someone who is truly converted, the change is remarkable.
What about the church? In the New Testament book of Acts we see a church focused on serving God and serving others. They proclaimed the simple gospel of Jesus Christ: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Lives were changed. Needs were met.
What the church does that’s unique is offer Jesus Christ to the world. And when people turn to Christ they find hope where they were hopeless.
In the church people find a community that accepts, loves and encourages them to be all that God made them to be. When a church is working right it’s an amazing place!
No church is perfect. But we have a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. Through faith in him we have peace with God and man, joy in our hearts and the forgiveness of sin.
All of that plus God’s promise of eternal life--now that’s a hope you can believe in!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Time Gap
Do you wish you had more free time? You’re not alone. And the difference between the free time you have and the free time you want is your time gap.
A Pew Research Social Trends poll showed that Americans’ top choice from a list of life's priorities was “having enough time to do the things you want.” Some two-thirds (68%) of the self-identified middle class said that free time was very important to them, more than anything else on the list. And that list included having children (62%), a successful career (59%), marriage (55%), a religious life (53%), and donating to charity or doing volunteer work (52%).
Amazingly, having free time was much more important than even being wealthy. Wealth was rated as very important by just 12 percent of the middle class.
Now hold on just a minute! Free time is more important than money? How can that be?
The way you answer that question identifies your generation. Time priorities have changed drastically compared to thirty years ago. It’s the new generation gap.
An old proverb says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” But today’s generation isn’t so much interested in saving time as they are in spending it on what THEY want to do. That’s the key.
However, doing what you want to do all the time isn’t as fulfilling as some people may think.
A privileged few have the option to pursue whatever their heart desires. But satisfaction is just as elusive for them as it is for us ordinary folks.
One of those privileged few, King Solomon, wrote about it in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes.
By most accounts Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest man in his world. He pursued politics, public works projects, the arts, the sciences, wisdom, pleasure, riches—you name it.
He thought a great deal about time, too. He mentions it 41 times in his small book.
But Solomon’s opinion is very disturbing: “Everything is meaningless.” Wow. Bummer.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Not if I did it!” Some of you have your “Bucket List” of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” And you’re well on your way to finishing it.
OK, what if you accomplish everything on your list—what then? “I’ll be satisfied.” Really?
Take the time to read Solomon’s conclusions. He disagreed. Solomon observed that we’re wired to pursue purpose in life--to make our lives count for something. But most things we do don’t have much of an impact on this world. Then we die and are forgotten.
Solomon discovered that true satisfaction comes in pleasing God and enjoying life’s journey.
He also notes that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” Belief in life after this life seems to be a universal feature of the human race.
Solomon’s advice? Pursue God while you are young. Listen for him to speak to you. Keep the promises you’ve made to him. Fear God and obey him. Remember it is God alone who gives the ability to enjoy life and be happy.
God does want us to enjoy life. That’s why he sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sin. And when we accept God’s free gift of forgiveness in Christ, our guilt is gone. For the first time we can focus on serving him and others. Our lives can then make a difference for eternity.
The real time gap is the difference between what we do for self and what we do for God.
If you truly want to live an amazing life, read the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. If you keep on reading and follow Jesus, you won’t have to worry about a time gap.
The Bible says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
A Pew Research Social Trends poll showed that Americans’ top choice from a list of life's priorities was “having enough time to do the things you want.” Some two-thirds (68%) of the self-identified middle class said that free time was very important to them, more than anything else on the list. And that list included having children (62%), a successful career (59%), marriage (55%), a religious life (53%), and donating to charity or doing volunteer work (52%).
Amazingly, having free time was much more important than even being wealthy. Wealth was rated as very important by just 12 percent of the middle class.
Now hold on just a minute! Free time is more important than money? How can that be?
The way you answer that question identifies your generation. Time priorities have changed drastically compared to thirty years ago. It’s the new generation gap.
An old proverb says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” But today’s generation isn’t so much interested in saving time as they are in spending it on what THEY want to do. That’s the key.
However, doing what you want to do all the time isn’t as fulfilling as some people may think.
A privileged few have the option to pursue whatever their heart desires. But satisfaction is just as elusive for them as it is for us ordinary folks.
One of those privileged few, King Solomon, wrote about it in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes.
By most accounts Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest man in his world. He pursued politics, public works projects, the arts, the sciences, wisdom, pleasure, riches—you name it.
He thought a great deal about time, too. He mentions it 41 times in his small book.
But Solomon’s opinion is very disturbing: “Everything is meaningless.” Wow. Bummer.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Not if I did it!” Some of you have your “Bucket List” of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.” And you’re well on your way to finishing it.
OK, what if you accomplish everything on your list—what then? “I’ll be satisfied.” Really?
Take the time to read Solomon’s conclusions. He disagreed. Solomon observed that we’re wired to pursue purpose in life--to make our lives count for something. But most things we do don’t have much of an impact on this world. Then we die and are forgotten.
Solomon discovered that true satisfaction comes in pleasing God and enjoying life’s journey.
He also notes that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” Belief in life after this life seems to be a universal feature of the human race.
Solomon’s advice? Pursue God while you are young. Listen for him to speak to you. Keep the promises you’ve made to him. Fear God and obey him. Remember it is God alone who gives the ability to enjoy life and be happy.
God does want us to enjoy life. That’s why he sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sin. And when we accept God’s free gift of forgiveness in Christ, our guilt is gone. For the first time we can focus on serving him and others. Our lives can then make a difference for eternity.
The real time gap is the difference between what we do for self and what we do for God.
If you truly want to live an amazing life, read the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. If you keep on reading and follow Jesus, you won’t have to worry about a time gap.
The Bible says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Change We Can Believe In
Is politics the solution or the problem in America?
Every four years the two major political parties treat us to a convention spectacle that’s one part political grandstanding and one part tent revival served up with a side of passion.
My favorite definition of politics is this: “Poly” means “many” and “ticks” are blood-sucking parasites. So “politics” is a bunch of blood-sucking parasites.” (Smile, it’s a joke. I think.)
Now that may sound cruel if you know sincere candidates who want to bring meaningful change to our world. But something mysterious happens when a man or woman begins to breathe the rarified air in our state or nation’s capitals.
After about six months, they start to lose common sense. Or so it seems to me.
Why this happens is a sad reflection on human nature. One definition says politics involves power, authority, influence and manipulation. And well-intentioned people are often forced to compromise character and scruples in order to “bring home the bacon” (or pork barrel projects).
Well, hold on just a minute! If that’s true then where can we find hope? Good question.
Only one man offers real hope—hope we can believe in—and he’s not a politician. It’s the God-man Jesus Christ. Only he can change a person’s heart, heal their wounded soul and forgive their sin. Only Jesus can turn a conniving “political animal” into a God-serving Christ follower.
How do I know? Because Jesus has a 2,000 year track record of success.
Want an example? Read the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 9. God changed Saul of Tarsus from a murderous religious zealot into Paul, a passionate peaceful Christ follower.
The man we remember as the Apostle Paul is single-handedly responsible for the birth of Western Civilization, as we know it. He brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Europe and the rest, as they say, is history.
Want more examples? Check out how God changed the lives of a playboy named Augustine, a slave trader named John Newton or a political hack named Chuck Colson. All transformed.
Politicians call us to believe in ourselves. They tell us if we do we can change America and change the world. But we’ve heard that before. The changes don’t last or don’t work.
Besides, government has a poor track record when it comes to changing people for good. Our high incarceration rate and crowded prisons bear silent testimony to that fact.
Jesus calls us to believe in him. When we do the Bible says he renews our minds, fills us with peace instead of anger and he replaces our hatred with love. Instead of living a self-centered life, we have a new desire to serve God and others.
The Bible says that when we follow Jesus and put our trust in him as Lord and Savior, we are reconciled to God. Then he asks us to bring that message of peace and reconciliation to others.
Christ followers get excited about telling others how Jesus died for their sin and can change human lives. They have a joy that only God can give.
If you’ve seen God change someone who followed Jesus, you know what I mean. There’s no other explanation for it except that God has changed their heart.
Change is a hot topic this year. But if you want real, meaningful change you can believe in, look no further. Instead of politicians who often let you down, look to Jesus who will lift you up.
Follow Jesus and your life can have an impact on this world with eternal results.
Oh, by the way, no politicians were endorsed or harmed in the preparation of this article.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Every four years the two major political parties treat us to a convention spectacle that’s one part political grandstanding and one part tent revival served up with a side of passion.
My favorite definition of politics is this: “Poly” means “many” and “ticks” are blood-sucking parasites. So “politics” is a bunch of blood-sucking parasites.” (Smile, it’s a joke. I think.)
Now that may sound cruel if you know sincere candidates who want to bring meaningful change to our world. But something mysterious happens when a man or woman begins to breathe the rarified air in our state or nation’s capitals.
After about six months, they start to lose common sense. Or so it seems to me.
Why this happens is a sad reflection on human nature. One definition says politics involves power, authority, influence and manipulation. And well-intentioned people are often forced to compromise character and scruples in order to “bring home the bacon” (or pork barrel projects).
Well, hold on just a minute! If that’s true then where can we find hope? Good question.
Only one man offers real hope—hope we can believe in—and he’s not a politician. It’s the God-man Jesus Christ. Only he can change a person’s heart, heal their wounded soul and forgive their sin. Only Jesus can turn a conniving “political animal” into a God-serving Christ follower.
How do I know? Because Jesus has a 2,000 year track record of success.
Want an example? Read the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 9. God changed Saul of Tarsus from a murderous religious zealot into Paul, a passionate peaceful Christ follower.
The man we remember as the Apostle Paul is single-handedly responsible for the birth of Western Civilization, as we know it. He brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Europe and the rest, as they say, is history.
Want more examples? Check out how God changed the lives of a playboy named Augustine, a slave trader named John Newton or a political hack named Chuck Colson. All transformed.
Politicians call us to believe in ourselves. They tell us if we do we can change America and change the world. But we’ve heard that before. The changes don’t last or don’t work.
Besides, government has a poor track record when it comes to changing people for good. Our high incarceration rate and crowded prisons bear silent testimony to that fact.
Jesus calls us to believe in him. When we do the Bible says he renews our minds, fills us with peace instead of anger and he replaces our hatred with love. Instead of living a self-centered life, we have a new desire to serve God and others.
The Bible says that when we follow Jesus and put our trust in him as Lord and Savior, we are reconciled to God. Then he asks us to bring that message of peace and reconciliation to others.
Christ followers get excited about telling others how Jesus died for their sin and can change human lives. They have a joy that only God can give.
If you’ve seen God change someone who followed Jesus, you know what I mean. There’s no other explanation for it except that God has changed their heart.
Change is a hot topic this year. But if you want real, meaningful change you can believe in, look no further. Instead of politicians who often let you down, look to Jesus who will lift you up.
Follow Jesus and your life can have an impact on this world with eternal results.
Oh, by the way, no politicians were endorsed or harmed in the preparation of this article.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
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