Pursuing Holiness and Happiness: Finding Joy in God's Will

Are You Pursuing Happiness or Holiness?

There is a common misconception that holiness and happiness are mutually exclusive. This idea suggests that God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. However, this is a false dichotomy that can lead to a distorted understanding of God.

In reality, God desires both our holiness and our happiness. Holiness and happiness are not in opposition to each other but rather, they are complementary. Happiness is not the absence of holiness, and holiness does not require us to be miserable. Instead, our pursuit of holiness should lead to greater joy and happiness in our lives.

What is Holiness?

Before we can understand how holiness and happiness are related, we must first define what holiness means. The word "holy" comes from the Hebrew word qadosh, which means "set apart" or "consecrated." Holiness refers to the state of being set apart for God's purposes and being morally pure.

In the Bible, God is described as holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). As his followers, we are called to be holy as well (1 Peter 1:16). This means that we are set apart for God's purposes and are to live in a way that is morally pure and pleasing to him.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is a feeling of pleasure or contentment. It is often associated with external circumstances such as success, wealth, or relationships. However, true happiness is not dependent on external circumstances but rather, it comes from within.

In the Bible, happiness is often referred to as joy. Joy is a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing and following God. It is not dependent on external circumstances but rather, it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Relationship Between Happiness and Holiness

Now that we have defined holiness and happiness, we can see how they are related. Our pursuit of holiness should lead to greater joy and happiness in our lives. When we live in a way that is pleasing to God, we experience the deep sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing and following him.

However, the pursuit of happiness can sometimes lead us away from holiness. We may be tempted to compromise our values or make choices that are not in line with God's will in order to achieve happiness. This is where the false dichotomy between holiness and happiness can be dangerous.

As Christians, we are called to pursue holiness and happiness in a way that is consistent with God's will. We cannot pursue happiness at the expense of holiness, nor can we pursue holiness in a way that leads to misery and despair. Instead, we must seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God, which will ultimately lead to greater joy and happiness in our lives.

Pursuing Holiness

So how do we pursue holiness? The Bible gives us many examples of how to live a holy life. Here are a few:

1. Obey God's Commands

One of the primary ways to pursue holiness is to obey God's commands. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). This means that we are to live in a way that is consistent with God's will as revealed in Scripture.

When we obey God's commands, we demonstrate our love for him and our desire to please him. This obedience leads to greater holiness and ultimately, greater happiness in our lives.

2. Cultivate a Relationship with God

Another way to pursue holiness is to cultivate a relationship with God. This means spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and worshiping him. As we draw near to God, he draws near to us (James 4:8).

When we have a close relationship with God, we are better able to discern his will for our lives and to live in a way that is pleasing to him. This relationship also leads to greater joy and happiness as we experience the love and presence of God in our lives.

3. Practice Self-Control

Self-control is another important aspect of pursuing holiness. This means learning to control our thoughts, words, and actions so that they are in line with God's will. It also means learning to resist temptation and to avoid sin.

When we practice self-control, we demonstrate our commitment to living a holy life. This leads to greater happiness and satisfaction as we experience the peace and blessings that come from living in a way that is pleasing to God.

Pursuing Happiness

So how do we pursue happiness? The Bible gives us many examples of how to experience true happiness. Here are a few:

1. Trust in God

One of the primary ways to experience happiness is to trust in God. The Bible says, "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord" (Psalm 40:4). When we trust in God, we experience the peace and security that comes from knowing that he is in control of our lives.

Trusting in God also means that we do not have to rely on external circumstances for our happiness. Instead, we can find joy and contentment in knowing and following God.

2. Serve Others

Another way to experience happiness is to serve others. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). When we serve others, we experience the joy of making a difference in someone else's life.

Serving others also helps us to put our own problems and concerns into perspective. It reminds us that we are part of a larger community and that our lives have meaning and purpose.

3. Practice Gratitude

Finally, practicing gratitude is another important aspect of experiencing happiness. When we focus on the things that we are thankful for, we experience a sense of contentment and satisfaction.

Practicing gratitude also helps us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives rather than dwelling on the negative. This leads to greater happiness and a more positive outlook on life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing holiness and happiness is not an either/or proposition. Instead, these two concepts are complementary and should be pursued in a way that is consistent with God's will. When we live in a way that is pleasing to God, we experience the deep sense of contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing and following him.

As we pursue holiness and happiness, let us remember the words of the psalmist: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8).