Just be Happy?

Earlier this week, I started messaging with a fellow quadriplegic friend. Gary and I have known each other for several years and both live in Iowa, but rarely talk as we have different interests. This week, however, he and I have been discussing various topics. One thread of conversation touched briefly on theology, as I tend to try to direct things. Gary says he is a Christian, but that Jesus just wants us to be happy and that we don't need to follow the Bible very closely.

I could go on for several entries on these issues, but I'll try expounding on the first point somewhat briefly. Does Jesus just want everybody to be happy?

First, what makes a person happy? A state of happiness can vary from one person to the next and even depends on the day and time. However, some may be happy taking money, or possessions, that do not belong to them. The individual may think they deserve more than what they get paid, the government doesn't need full tax payments, etc. This situation breaks the eighth commandment not steal and also breaks state and federal laws. Making yourself happy may end up with large fines, jail time, or both.

Another area that makes some people happy is to view pornographic material, cheat on one's spouse, or feed attractions to your same gender. This area of pleasure breaks the seventh command and can also lead to divorce, many family problems, and even a number of physical diseases. The joy may last momentarily, but consequences of pain and heartache can last a lifetime, or more.

There are several situations that could be cited, but I think of Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin may be pleasurable for a season, but it brings forth death and eternity in hell, as Revelation 21:8 describes. Therefore, Jesus did not say to just be happy, He in fact had to die on the cross to forgive us sins that may have caused pleasure.

As a Christian, true pleasure and happiness comes when we follow God's will as revealed through His Word. Everything in this life, both the good and bad, is temporary. For all who repent of sin and trust in Jesus alone for salvation have eternal life.

Living eternally with God in the new heaven and earth has far more happiness than anything we can experience now. The curse of sin will be gone and their will be no more death, pain, or tears. Broken bodies will be made new and fully restored in the blink of an eye. If you're living for happiness and your best life now, then it may turn into eternal pain, suffering, and many terrors in hell.

With Easter soon upon us, let us not forget why Christ gave His life and conquered death. This is where those living the quad life, and everyone, will find true peace by trusting in Him.