Be Happy

This morning on the Jesus Bus, we'll leave the wilderness of the origins discussion until another time. I enjoy the debate, myself. It's something I've spent years trying to figure out. Whenever political pressure is applied to any area of faith or science, the result is always the same. Lots of mud slinging and fury,without a productive end. After all's said and done, people will arrive at their own conclusion based on whatever prejudice they have a preference toward. I just hope to point out that it's not a science versus religion issue, it's two competing faiths, since origins can't be scientifically proven one way or the other.The way I figure, the debate has gone on for thousands of years and will likely continue until the day Jesus returns. I realize, I won't be able to change all that.


How about a little happiness this morning? Seems to me, there isn't enough of that going around. Years ago, I read a book by a man named Demos Shakarian with the title The Happiest People On Earth. It is his short autobiography and how he began the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International -- FGBFI -- if I remember correctly. The title of the book makes you want to know what it is that makes him believe that he is one of the happiest people on earth. It's a bold statement. Personally, I don't know, off hand, anyone who would be able to make that claim today. It wouldn't be me. There was a time when I was at peace with my world. I can't say that today. And I can'tput a finger on exactly what happened that turned things around for me. All I can say is that each day seems to wear me down a little more. Is that what it's like to be growing older?


My first impulse is to look at the circumstances I'm in to discover what inhibits the flow of happiness that I once knew. Of course, that begs the question whether or not happiness is a result of external circumstances or a product of something inside me. Or is it a combination of these and more? I'm not the first to have alook at the components of happiness. Many others have written more than a few words on thesubject. It's even in the U.S. Constitution. Altogether, it makes me think that happiness is a basic desire of every person on the face of the earth.


As I think about it, I realize that those times of my life that were the most happy, were those times in my life that I was able to do well at the business at hand. Not that I was ever exceptional at anything that I did. But there was a time when I could stay toward the front of the curve. It never had anything to do with money and posessions. I know that some will view that statement with skepticism, but it remains fact. I can remember those days, when Iwas working for minimum wage, and I was quite happy with my situation. I had everything I needed and then some. And I can remember some of the people I worked for. Whew, were they ever some of the most un-happy people I ever met. They probably made a hundred times more than I did, and were a hundred times less satisfied. I still remember the rage of the company owner who had me moved to another post. Is that typical? I'm thinking maybe this example represents the extremes. You know, it's the bell curve again. Most people fall somewhere in between, I guess.


Right now, I am in the middle of the most unpleasant situation that I've ever seen in my life. Yet, I believe that in spite of the fact that there is absolutely no reason to believe that my situation will ever improve, I can find happiness right here. Even way down here at the lowest point in my life. Oh, I'm miserable enough alright. But I don't think that has to prevent happiness. There's more to it than circumstances.


I can drone on about happiness until everyone falls asleep. But what did Jesus have to say about being happy? The KJV uses the word 'blessed'. From the greek 'makarios', used only 50 times in the New Testament. Is there something to the christian life that is more than a measure of happiness?


Mt 5:3 Happy are the poor in spirit: for the
kingdom of heaven is theirs.


4 Happy are those who are sad: for they will be
comforted.


5 Happy are the gentle: for the earth will be
their heritage.


6 Happy are those whose heart's desire is for
righteousness: for they will have their desire.


7 Happy are those who have mercy: for they will
be given mercy.


8 Happy are the clean in heart: for they will
see God.


9 Happy are the peacemakers: for they will be
named sons of God.


10 Happy are those who are attacked on account
of righteousness: for the kingdom of heaven will
be theirs.


11 Happy are you when men give you a bad name,
and are cruel to you, and say all evil things
against you falsely, because of me.


12 Be glad and full of joy; for great is your
reward in heaven: for so were the prophets
attacked who were before you.


13 You are the salt of the earth; but if its
taste goes from the salt, how will you make it
salt again? it is then good for nothing but to
be put out and crushed under foot by men.


14 You are the light of the world. A town put on
a hill may be seen by all.


15 And a burning light is not put under a
vessel, but on its table; so that its rays may
be shining on all who are in the house.


16 Even so let your light be shining before men,
so that they may see your good works and give
glory to your Father in heaven.


17 Let there be no thought that I have come to
put an end to the law or the prophets. I have
not come for destruction, but to make complete.


18 Truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth
come to an end, not the smallest letter or part
of a letter will in any way be taken from the
law, till all things are done.


On the Jesus Bus, there is another formula for happiness. It has nothing to do with the circumstances you find yourself in today. It has everything to do with the circumstances that are in store for the future. Jesus has his eye on eternity. So should we.