GOOD WORKS Have you ever noticed that people who serve others are always smiling? Much like giving, doing good works towards others is a powerful source of happiness. In Proverbs 14:21 King Solomon recorded, “ He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. ” Performing good works imitates God’s giving nature. We step into the joy that comes from living His way. God promises: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over...” Everyone should ask themselves: What good work am I doing? Can I name them? Can I list them? If the list is short, don’t be discouraged, take action! The happiness that comes from doing good is reserved for those who actually do it. WISDOM Many people know what to do. Many others know when to do something. Few can put them together—they know what to do and when to do it. The wisest man who ever lived recorded the follow- ing in Proverbs 3:13, 16–18: Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gains understanding… Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand, riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleas - antness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.
With wisdom a person has the ability to choose the right path toward the right goal. True wisdom breeds joy! Happy is the per - son that finds it. ACTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENT God designed human beings to be active, to produce, to accomplish. There is an old saying, “To rest is to rust,” we might add: “To rest continually is to be bored and mis- erable.” Many people build their lives on sand— foundations of comfort, pleasure, or self-in- terest. But when stormy trials come, their foundations are quickly eroded and their houses collapse. True Christians must be actively building character, growing in knowledge, develop - ing relationships, and actively serving. Not just knowing the truth, but living it. God wants His people to be living examples full of purpose, activity and accomplishment. These seven pillars of happiness are worth our deep attention and commitment. But a word of caution: Don’t be misled. It’s easy to assume that happiness is the ultimate goal in life. It is not. Our true purpose is not to pursue happiness in this temporary, phys- ical life but to seek the Kingdom of God. In the World Tomorrow there will be true lasting happiness. Happiness is a byproduct of living God’s way. It’s not the goal—it’s an incredible blessing along the way. Do not be discouraged by the trials of life. There’s more to life than being happy. Our eyes must be fixed on the greater joy to come: Eternal life in the Kingdom and Fam - ily of God. That’s the path to true happiness now and forever.
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