wealth of satisfaction in our daily lives. HARD WORK
Psalm 144:15 — “ Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the peo- ple whose God is the Lord! ” Those in God’s Church, the called chosen and faithful, are such people. The people of God know why they were born, and the in- credible potential that awaits them. FAMILY God designed the family to be one of life’s most rewarding and joyous experiences. A close knit, loving Family is the key. His own family will be expanded in the future to include many more children—those who are called now and will be resurrected at Christ’s return. Our eyes must be fixed on the greater joy to come: Eternal life in the Kingdom and Family of God. In Hebrews 2:10 it states: For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. In today’s society, families suffer from di - vorce, abuse and dysfunction. But when a family functions in a loving and unified manner—the way God intended—it be- comes one of the greatest sources of happi - ness on earth. Strong loving families not only picture God’s future family but they also provide a
God also created man to be productive contributors, not just con- sumers. In Ecclesiastes 2:24, King Solomon was inspired to record: There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, was from the hand of God. If work is motivated by greed or selfish ambition, it will only bring frustration. Consider a major multibillion dollar corporation. Al- though they successfully develop and produce a product, inside each corporation people battle for power and position. Undermin- ing coworkers to get ahead is commonplace in our society. God’s way is the give way of life opposite to this world’s way of getting for self. Acts 20:35 records, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we work to serve others we find satisfaction and joy. It feels good! Happiness eludes the selfish—but increases in the generous. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT The road to happiness is not always smooth. Life is filled with all sorts of tests and trials - some more difficult than others. Life’s difficulties can cause strain but they also help in character devel - opment. This is where the value of trials is realized. With character growth comes a dual blessing 1)The satisfaction of maturing spiri - tually and 2) Qualifying for the Kingdom of God. In II Cor. 12:10 the apostle Paul wrote: Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Peter also proclaimed in 1 Peter 4:12-13: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice . God says one can only enter His Kingdom through much tribula - tion. True Christians should take pleasure in trials and rejoice. This is easier said than done but these trials build character and with it, true happiness.
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