Thursday, May 12, 2011

Happiness Is Fleeting

Can it be that so many people are depressed today because they are trying to obtain happiness? Can happiness even be attained? It seems to me it's a never ending struggle and it's idolatry. If life is based on achieving happiness, than everything evolves around me. I focus all my efforts on being happy.  It's self centered not Christ centered. Yet we as human beings have been duped into thinking that's what life is about. Have you heard the saying,"Whatever makes you happy?" A Christ centered life is centered on Jesus Christ. The mystery of the gospel is: Christ in you the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). The gospel: Christ is in you and in me, gives us joy, a fruit of the Spirit. Joy endures forever. It's not transitory like happiness. Christ in us is long-suffering with others. Our life in Christ is about suffering with others and for others. It's the greatest love that Jesus spoke of, that a man should lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). The love of God, Christ in us, expresses Himself through long-suffering. In life most of us will experience times of happiness, sadness and grieving. Yet throughout life and into eternity we can experience joy in Christ. This is the gospel, it's good news for everyone who has ears to hear.