Content to be Miserable

One of the more popular notions going around lately is that God’s purpose or mission is not to make us happy but [Insert Godly characteristic here].

While I agree that God is not a genie in a bottle who is there to grant our wishes, I am disturbed by the notion that He does not care about our happiness or well-being. It’s as if we are saying that God will make our lives a living hell to make us more Christ-like. The more troubles, hardships and sorrows that comes our way, the better it is.

They speak of “taking up our cross” and delighting in persecution, trials, & tribulations. The more miserable our lives are the more content we are supposed to be. I believe this is a classic case of misrepresenting scripture by plucking out several verses while ignoring others. Speaking as one who has been through difficult trials, I believe God IS concerned with our happiness & well-being. He wants us to be successful & happy in this life. If we are to take Jesus Christ as the picture of our heavenly Father, I do not see a cosmic killjoy but rather someone who lived life to the fullest…laughing, spending time with friends, sharing together with family. Jesus loved being with people and providing them with “living bread” so that they too could enjoy life to the fullest.

The rain falls on the unjust as well as the just. Therefore, Christians should be the happiest people in the world. Full of joy and contentment. Knowing that our attitude in this life is a reflection on who we serve.

We are to rise above our circumstances & press on so that people can look at us and clearly see without a doubt that it was only through the power and love of Christ Jesus. All glory will be given to God because what was impossible with man is possible with God.