Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
This weekend is Confirmation, and last night we had the Spiritual Growth Event. At that event, the students are publicly examined and they shared their confirmation verse. My confirmation verse is Philippians 4:4. It says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, ‘Rejoice.’”
Even though we live in a sinful world which causes us to face challenges, struggles, and heartaches, we, who have been redeemed by Christ, are joyful people. As recipients of God’s love, grace, and mercy, we can in the most difficult times find God’s strength, peace, comfort, and even joy. God does not want us to stay in a state of despair or gloom. As the Apostle Paul learned to be content in all circumstances, we can find that same contentment and even joy in the circumstances that we encounter (Philippians 4:10-13).
St. Augustine, one of the great theologians in church history, wrote, “Every man, whatsoever his condition, desires to be happy.” Where do we look for happiness? There are two paths.
Perhaps the most popular path for seeking happiness is through the accumulation of things, which can lead to temporary happiness but ultimately ends in despair and death. The path on accumulating things of the world is a very appealing path. It is a path that focuses on getting more and more. It’s a path that seeks power and prestige, which people mistakenly assume leads to ultimate happiness and security. The way of the world is centered on ourselves. It is about immediate gratification. It is about getting, taking, and hoarding. It is about an appetite for things that is never satisfied. It is about what you want now, such as a job, house, vacation, promotion, and money. This path won’t bring long-term happiness.
The other path is God’s path, which leads to sustainable happiness and life (1 Timothy 6:19). God’s path is a radically different way. It is filled with love and compassion. The focus is not on getting more and better things but on the Creator of these things. It is about faith that enables us to understand that God is the provider of all our good gifts and then expressing our thanks to Him through our words and deeds. We seek God’s guidance and direction for our lives. Through faith, we live our lives to please and serve Him by serving others. In contrast to the world’s path of getting, God’s path is centered on serving and giving. It is in our serving and giving that we find true joy.
Our happiness does not come from what we have,
but our happiness come from who we are in Jesus.
Lou Holtz, the famous football coach, said to a graduating class,
if you want an hour of happiness, eat a steak;
if you want a day of happiness, golf;
if you want a week of happiness, go on a cruise;
if you want a month of happiness, buy a new car;
if you want a lifetime of happiness, put your faith in Jesus!
Our happiness comes from who we are in Jesus. Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Hartwig