Sunday Seed Thoughts: Happiness or Holiness?

We live in a culture today that has elevated one’s personal happiness to an inordinate, unhealthy, and definitely unscriptural priority.

Leo Rosten, the Polish born Jewish writer once wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all. Happiness, in the ancient, noble verse, means self-fulfillment and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God or luck or fate bestowed upon them.”

The truth is that God is more interested in significance. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (Jn. 10:10). C. H. Parkhurst wrote, “Purpose is what gives life meaning.” And purpose goes beyond the here and now. It is more than the temporal. Or the temporary.

We find fulfillment, purpose and joy when we pursue nobler ambitions. Seek Godly goals. And enjoy spiritual growth. It is realized by being transformed, not conformed. (Rom 12:1-2) Focusing on things above, not things below. (Col 3:1-2) And truly desiring holiness of character rather than passing pleasures. (Heb. 11;25).

Our holy God calls us to a higher level of living. “Be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1Pet 5:15-16).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman