Seek Happiness and You Won’t Find It: The True Path to Inner Joy and the Happy Life

We live in a world that is all about self. The mantra, “Do You” is so very popular. Our culture says, “do what feels good,”. Or “do whatever makes you happy.”  This is an awful way to live  Those that seek happiness are the most unhappy  The Bible actually teaches a different way to a joyous and happy life. Listen, my friends. I know you desire to be happy and joy filled as much as anyone. So how do you get there?  

The argument of the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:1-11 is succinct and powerful. If Jesus is the God-Man, 100% God as if no man at all and at the same time, 100% man as if no God at all.  Who voluntarily and amazingly gave up His glory for mankind. That’s you and me, then how can we mere mortal sinners act like and believe a life of selfless humility to others is somehow below our station in life?  The challenge for you and I today is, let’s follow Jesus example of radical humility by giving our lives for others. To become servants of others rather than live to serve ourselves.  This is the secret of real and lasting joy.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Are you currently struggling to get along with someone?  Perhaps a spouse, child, coworker, family member, friend, boss, or someone else. When we follow Christ’s example and empowered by the Holy Spirit, you will reject a self serving pride filled way of life and instead humbly regard others as more important than yourself. Friend, instead of constantly looking out for your own desires, start today by asking the Lord to help you look out for the interests of others.

How will you put this commitment into practice as you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit? How will you discern if your actions towards others have really changed?  Go out today, filled with the Spirit and look for ways to serve. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.