As most folks know, the US Declaration of Independence suggests that everyone is "entitled to" the "pursuit of happiness!" This is one of the "Inalienable rights" of humanity, according to the writers.
And, as I look around in 21st century USA, and most of the world, the pursuit of "happiness" consumes most of mankind's waking moments.
If we just buy this, travel there, do this... we will become deliriously happy. And, happiness is our ultimate goal, even if it is mostly just around the corner. Yep, soon happiness will arrive!
As I get older and look back at my own pursuit of happiness I keep thinking about that CS Lewis quote that many of you know, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
And, as I look around in 21st century USA, and most of the world, the pursuit of "happiness" consumes most of mankind's waking moments.
If we just buy this, travel there, do this... we will become deliriously happy. And, happiness is our ultimate goal, even if it is mostly just around the corner. Yep, soon happiness will arrive!
As I get older and look back at my own pursuit of happiness I keep thinking about that CS Lewis quote that many of you know, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
Isn't it sadly so. We are too easily fooled into thinking that happiness lies in status, or stuff, or hope for status or stuff. So if happiness does NOT lie in the things we seek, where does it lie?
Again, let's listen to an argument put forth by the old lit professor, Lewis, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
Hmm, whereas the PURSUIT of happiness may be an inalienable right, it might not be truly available in this fallen, sick world. In fact, the sad state of things in Syria, Israel, Korea, China, the USA might provide another hint that this world is neither our source of happiness, nor our true home.
I believe we were created for another world, as Lewis suggests. Moreover, I think a stronger case for this point originates in the Holy Scriptures.
This world is not our home, we just passing through. A form of happiness is indeed available when we rest in The Christ, yet our ultimate happiness, for those who are Followers of the Christ. lies in our heavenly home. I am sure we will never be truly happy, until we are truly home.
What thinks ye?
As good brother would say "I think you hit the nail, with your head"
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