We Americans have been taught the phrase, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" so much that many Christians have trouble determining whether or not it is a quote from scripture. It is not. But I believe it is scriptural.
Jesus is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." So that covers the "life" part. Scripture also tells us to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set [us] free."
But what about the pursuit of happiness? Are we supposed to follow the seemingly hedonistic pursuit of our own happiness?
John Piper of Desiring God Ministries thinks so. His book, Desiring God, is a true eye-opener. His argument includes the assertion that God has given us a natural desire to be happy and that a desire for God is the only thing that can fulfill that yearning.
But does scripture speak to this? John Piper handles this much better than anyone I've ever read. Although Jonathan Edwards is quite eloquent on this topic as well. And that's saying something since Edwards was a Puritan and the Puritans are seen as the ultimate killjoys when it comes to pleasurable things.
But I read a verse this morning that speaks directly to our desire for our own happiness. And I wanted to share it with those who read my blog. Here's God's plan for our pursuit of happiness:
Deut. 12:28
Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
I agree that the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is scriptural. As christians the place we can find true joy, rest, and liberty is in Christ. St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans that we are either slaves of sin (world) or slaves of righteousness. He goes on to say that if we have been chosen by God to be heirs with Christ then we are set free from sin. If we are set free of sin then we are slaves of righteousness, and if slaves of righteousness then we have true freedom and liberty. St. Augustine wrote in his Confessions, "We are restless until we rest in you(the lord)."
ReplyDelete