Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Most Americans are familiar with the statement from the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Since the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, this “pursuit of happiness” has become ingrained in the very fabric of what it means to be an American.

Sadly, this pursuit of “happiness” can also have deleterious effects in the lives of Christians. It can take on a “life of its own.”

Why the Pursuit of Happiness Can Become Elusive

During the course of our lives, we often tell ourselves that happiness lies ahead. “We will be happy once we have completed school.” “We will be happy when we get married.” “We will be happy once we have children.”

When we look back, we have to acknowledge something important. The happiness we experienced after completing our education lasted for only a short period of time.

Judging by the high rates of divorce in our country, “getting married” does not always have a “happy ending.”

Nor does having children necessarily bring about lasting happiness. Many parents can’t wait for the day that the kids move out of the house!

When we fail to find happiness through certain “life events,” we often seek happiness in “things.”

We tell ourselves “If I only had” this or that, then I’d be happy.

So, we buy new cars, the latest technology, and other non-essential luxury items. We do this in pursuit of this elusive thing we call “happiness.”

All such attempts are destined for abject failure. The only thing that can satisfy the real longings in the heart of man is the Presence of God in one’s life.

It is not that God does not want His children to be happy. Rather, God knows that “happiness” can be fleeting and does not last continually in anyone’s life.

All too often, the “pursuit of happiness” can become the total focus of our lives. It can supplant God’s rightful place in the Christian’s heart and life. In this way, it can become another form of idolatry.

What Should Christians Be Pursuing Instead of Happiness?

The question then arises: if God does not want us focusing on our own happiness, what does He expect us to focus on?

The answer to this is quite simply, to be accomplishing that which He created us for, that is, to be “pleasing unto Him” (Revelation 4:11).

This leads to another question: How do we know that we are accomplishing the task of being “pleasing unto Him”?

How Do We Know If We Are Pleasing God?

Scripture tells us that numerous things are “pleasing to Him.” These include “doing His commandments” (I John 3:22), “willing His Will” in our lives (Philippians 2:13), and singing our praises unto Him (Psalm 69:30,31). There is also a way to examine our spiritual development. We can ask whether we are truly exhibiting the “fruits of the Spirit” described by Paul in his letter to the Galatians.

For if we are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit in our lives, we can ascertain whether we are walking in the power of God’s Spirit, and not after our own fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,

goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23

If we pay special attention to these 9 attributes of the “fruits of the Spirit,” we should notice something important. The idea or concept of “happiness” is absent from the list.

The Fruit of the Spirit vs. the Pursuit of Happiness

So, we see within the truths of God’s Word that Christians should not focus primarily on “the pursuit of happiness.” Instead, they should pursue the development of the character traits found in the fruits of the Spirit.

For when we truly exhibit these character traits, it is evidence of the fact that we are indeed walking after the power of the Spirit, and not after our own fleshly desires.

It also demonstrates that we are “willing His will” in our lives. In doing so, we may ultimately be found to be “Pleasing unto God.”

Related Studies from Paradigms Tossed

Continue exploring God’s purpose for the believer, spiritual maturity, and the difference between temporary happiness and lasting biblical fulfillment through these related studies:

God Knows the Future: Trusting Him Through Life’s Trials
This study reminds believers that lasting security is not found in circumstances, possessions, or future plans, but in trusting God’s presence and purpose through every season of life.

Refined Like Silver: How God Uses Trials to Mature Believers
Explore how God can use difficult circumstances to develop spiritual maturity and increasingly conform believers to the character of Christ.

Free Will vs. God’s Sovereignty: Can Christians Handle the Truth?
Consider the tension between pursuing our own desires and submitting our lives to God’s sovereign will and purposes.

The Foundation of Christian Theology: Understanding Judgment, Mercy, Faith, and God’s Purpose for Man
Explore foundational biblical principles concerning God’s purpose for humanity and the qualities He desires to develop in the lives of believers.

Guarantees in Life
A related study examining where true certainty and security can be found and why believers must ultimately rest in the promises of God rather than in the temporary circumstances of life.