|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Only, as the Lord has given to a man, and as is the purpose (or calling) of God for him, so let him go on living. And these are my orders for all the churches (1 Corinthians 7:17, BBE).
A well-known fact in psychological circles (and the Bible) is that “purpose” is the source of life. Answer this question:
Do I have a purpose?
Studies on aging indicate that the primary predictor of health and well-being in old age is whether a person still has a sense of purpose. Something they are pursuing. But there’s also a paradox to being happy — that happiness is found by not pursuing it.
What? Has Pastor Grant taken leave of his senses, that we find something by not looking for it?
A researcher comments on the purpose/happiness paradox. . .
The paradox is that the exertion of hard and often thankless effort in service of a purpose, with little thought of personal gain, is a surer path to happiness than the eager pursuit of happiness for its own sake.
Seek purpose and find happiness, seek happiness and find nothing. As Jesus taught (and He didn’t need researchers for this conclusion), “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
The same researcher quoted above says. . .
Self-absorption and self-indulgence simply do not work as successful strategies for achieving happiness. People end up feeling empty and resentful because they have failed to satisfy one of our species’ truest and deepest desires: the universal yearning for a life with meaning.
Let’s review: We all want happiness, but it’s found in the struggle, the cost, and the service of Jesus. Sorry, American Dream, no contentment found in you. The state of Florida should apologize as a beach home doesn’t bring joy. And forget about money, as it’s the source of all kinds of evil.
HHHHMMMHHM. How do we find purpose and ensure happiness? Three things:
- What are our passions, gifts, and abilities?
- Do we use them in a practical and specific manner?
- Are our passions/gifts/abilities utilized in a practical/specific manner that serves a higher purpose/calling?
Each of us has been designed by God before time began for His purposes. Our ultimate happiness can only be found in using our gifts and our opportunities for the higher calling of His kingdom!
Admittedly, our purpose can change as a young family’s focus would be different than someone in their 70s. With changing purposes, happiness can move to boredom — the same old, same old — and so the necessity of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Now the researcher (already mentioned twice) wants to insert himself again into this Interruption with this thought. . .
Ultimately, we know we have purpose when we have joy (or happiness). Find purpose and find joy!
Amen.