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We live in the most affluent era of human history. We are surrounded by schools, medical centers and churches – each tasked with enhancing our mind, body and soul. And yet we are an unhappy folk. Even people of faith seem prone to live in discouragement. With the advent of social media, perpetual outrage and anger are commonplace, often over the most insane assertions or trivial issues. We cannot even buy a sandwich without walking into the crossfire of a culture war.
So how do we find the happiness that all humans desire? Max Lucado has some solid advice in his new book, How Happiness Happens. The New Testament uses the term “one another” over fifty times. How we engage one another is the key to abundant life and joy. If we focus on ourselves, our possessions or our self-interest, then we will live a miserable life. If we focus our attention on one another, on the well-being of both loved ones and strangers, then we are living as God intended us to. Happiness is found not in acquiring but in giving. Those who wish to live the Christian life must accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, serve one another, forgive one another and love one another. This is the key to happiness.
I am persuaded that happiness in this life is found by aligning ourselves with the ideals of Christ’s kingdom. There is no “abundant life” outside of Jesus and the measure of that abundance is found in the depths of our love for God and for one another. Embrace the stranger, heal the hurting, meet the needs of those less fortunate, exhibit compassion and extend kindness to friends and foes alike – that is what how we are called to live. That is how happiness happens.
–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster, 205-663-2370
