3 Keys to Happiness (Key #2)

In my last post I discussed the first key to unlocking true happiness, or abundant life: believe. This post moves on to the second key component to experiencing real happiness. And this key is usually where most believers in God get tripped up, because this key requires some sacrifice.

Key #2: Follow ("Obey")

Belief alone does not produce happiness. Action is required. Our society has increasingly given way to a "lottery/welfare" mentality. Cross your fingers and wish that happiness comes your way. Now, I'm not saying there aren't actual cases of poverty, sickness, or true need among our citizens. There are. But there is also a massive push by media and other outlets to convince every American that they "deserve" comfort, ease, and "happiness." This is contrary to where true happiness is found. Abundant life is experienced by following Jesus, not merely believing in him.

Let me make it clear that I am not talking about a person's salvation. God saves us by faith alone in Christ alone, apart from any works we might engage. Period. Salvation is free, and once God gives it He doesn't take it back. In this respect, salvation is like winning the lottery - no one deserves it! Once saved, you are eternally in the family of God. But simply being in the family doesn't guarantee you will experience abundant life right here and now (there are a lot of unhappy believers!). Faith must lead to following for happiness to occur.

James 1:22-25 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed (i.e. happy) in what he does. (NIV; emphasis mine)

Real happiness comes through following wherever Jesus leads. Therefore, happiness will require personal sacrifice. Jesus often leads in directions we find puzzling, even contrary to what we think could lead to abundant life. But following Jesus is not democratic. He knows the way, we don't. He IS the way! Much unhappiness in life results from us attempting to lead Jesus rather than the opposite. We were designed to be happiest when following Jesus. It is our role as His creation, and to step outside that design is to surely invite unhappiness into our daily existence.

Matt. 16:24-25 - Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. (NIV)

Denying self is not popular in our culture. But have you ever noticed that following what is popular never actually brings about abundant life? "Popular" leaves you empty because only God supplies true happiness, and choosing God is often not the popular choice. Laying down your agenda, your possessions, your family, your career, your everything to follow Jesus is precisely the road that leads to happiness. It is an act of your will to choose to follow Jesus. If you wait for a "feeling" you may be waiting a long time. The seed of happiness is planted through belief in Jesus, but then watered as you follow Him day by day.

The good news about such sacrifice is that the joy of losing your life for Jesus’ sake is immeasurable. It is the difference between experiencing freedom and merely ‘believing’ you are free.

True happiness is climbing on the bike, racing down a steep, winding hill, and feeling the wind whip through your hair – not merely staring at the two-wheeled device, “envisioning” such a ride. The thrill of the ride is only experienced when you mount the bike and begin pedaling. Thus is the relationship between belief and obedience in the Christian life. So, climb on the bike if you want abundant life!

-- Anonymous

Will you climb on the bike by faith and begin pedaling wherever Jesus leads? If you choose to follow Jesus in this way, the ride will be like nothing you have ever experienced before. It can only be described as pure happiness.

See you soon with Key #3...

jonathan