Articles
Peace and Happiness
There are three basic things that will ensure true happiness for every person:
1. Peace With God. The ultimate happiness comes to the one that has peace with God. How does one have peace with God? First, one must understand that when a person "loves the world" (I John 2:15-17), they carry out the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-20), and thus, those sins make "a separation between you and your God" (Isaiah 59:2). One that loves this world has become friends of this world, and James says, "know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4). So then, sin causes one to be an enemy of God, and not be at peace with God. So, how then can one be at peace with God? One must be in a right relationship with God, that is, they must have their sins forgiven by the blood of the Lamb (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Peter 3:21). Are you at peace with God?
2. Peace With Your Fellowman. Folks that fuse and fight all the time are not happy. Although, sometimes it seems some folks are not happy unless they are fussing and fighting. But true, genuine happiness comes when we are getting along with other people. God demands of His children to be at peace with his fellowman, to have peace (a right spiritual relationship) with Him. Jesus said, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Matthew 5:23-24). Paul emphasizes how important it is for us to get along with those round about us, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). What kind of relationship do you have with other folks?
3. Peace With Yourself. True peace of mind, true happiness, is available to all that want it. Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4,5-6).
My friend, are you happy? If you want to be truly happy, you need to turn from your life of sin and become a Christian, a child of God. One becomes a child of God by hearing and believing the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16); repenting of your past life of sin (Acts 2:38); confessing Jesus Christ as Lord of your life (Romans 10:9-10); and being buried with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of every sin you have ever committed (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26-27; I Peter 3:21); and remain faithful doing the best you can to obey God the rest of your life (Rev. 2:10b). And just like the Ethiopian Eunuch, you can go on your way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).
