There are lots of things in life that will make us happy that are not necessarily good for us, good for others, or that are right. For example:
- Looking at pics and talking to my friends on Facebook makes me much happier than doing Math homework ... but Facebook does not help me pass Statistics
- Getting a boyfriend or girlfriend will probably make us happy ... but, especially when we're not ready, it also adds a huge level of stress and additional pressures
- 'Taking' that candy/game/car will definitely make you happy ... but when you get caught you'll realize that jail is not fun
Maybe, just maybe, God doesn't want us to be happy. He wants us to be blessed. See, happiness depends on happenings, or circumstances. But God doesn't work that way. God has designed a purpose for each one of us, and our lives are all about finding that purpose in Jesus, whether it makes us temporarily "happy" or not. It will certainly bring lasting joy in the long run.
Someone very wise once told me that my life and service should be 80% what I like and 20% what I don't like. By serving God with that 'unliked' 20%, I'm becoming the person I never thought I could be.
So go for it! Follow after Jesus with everything you are, even it means giving up today's happiness for tomorrow's joy.
Alex W / Message Writer
