Let’s talk about happiness. This is a tricky subject and has a great deal of meaning as well as a wide spectrum of connotations. We know that happiness is temporary and it is certainly one of our biggest emotions. But it is also the bane of our existence and, to quote some really old dudes, the “pursuit of happiness” is an essential God-given right of every human being.
Thomas Jefferson penned this phrase into the Declaration of Independence, but it is said that he took this particular line from John Locke from an essay written nearly 100 years earlier called, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
In this essay, Locke presents a compelling case that the most important and natural thing for a person to do is discover lasting or “true happiness” versus “imaginary happiness.” He tells about the difference in temporary pleasures in things, substances, experiences that would provide temporary pleasure but run the risk of suffering “everlasting misery.” He talks about alcohol as a prime example of something that promises immediate gratification but delivers more pain.
Locke continues in this essay by telling his readers that the solution of this pleasure/pain paradox is rooted in the God of the universe and is built around eternal life after death. It is no surprise that Thomas Jefferson, then, in the Declaration of Independence gives these “self-evident truths” and says they are “endowed (given) by their Creator.”
For these men, the gospel message of Jesus in John 10:10 – “…I have come so that you may have life, and have more of it…” – gives meaning to everything and specifically to our existence.
Your pursuit of happiness or pleasure is as natural as your need for oxygen or bleeding from a cut. It’s what you use, chase, and latch on to that which determines whether or not you find it!!!
My question for consideration today is what is the source of your happiness?
How much effort of your pursuit has been successful (lasting and fulfilling)?
What of your pursuits have continued to leave you empty?
Maybe it’s time to try another avenue.
Maybe you need to cut some things out that are leaving you in misery.
Maybe you should give life in Christ a try and say yes to following Jesus!
He’s never let me down!!!
#PursuitOfHappiness
#JuneGloom
#Feelings
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
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