Anne Reed

AFA Journal staff writer

November 2014 – Gratitude is a quality woven through Scripture, directly and indirectly. Directly, for example, in Psalm 147:7: “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving.” Indirectly in passages such as 2 Samuel 7:18 as David prays to the Lord, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?”

It seems self-evident that such gratitude springs from, as well as leads to, a happy life. And isn’t that what we hunger for – happiness? 

In fact, modern studies have borne out the connection between thankfulness and the happiness expressed as an unalienable right in our Declaration of Independence – at least the pursuit of happiness. 

That pursuit has led many to seek happiness in possessions, pleasure and power. However, it is unlikely that the treasure chest of true happiness exists at the end of that chase. 

A study from the Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being¹ found that those with materialistic goals harbor a smoldering brew of envy, depression, low self-esteem, indifference to the welfare of others, greed and a number of other distasteful qualities. Happiness was missing from their lives. 

In contrast to the kind of pursuit of happiness that often ends in disillusionment, the Apostle Paul described the paradox of the churches of Macedonia, “… for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2 Corinthians 8:2. Emphasis added). 

Ironically, the gratefulness of the Macedonian Christians – as evidenced by generosity – was born in the midst of trials and poverty. And yet their lives were abundantly joyful. How does that work?

What the Macedonians came to understand is that in Christ, God wrapped Himself in human flesh, lived among men and sacrificed His life on a bitter cross “while [they] were yet sinners,” according to Romans 5:8.

In short, deep, abiding happiness – even in the midst of life’s hardships –is a result of being grateful for what the Suffering Servant did on our behalf.  

That kind of happiness overflows in love for others and a desire to grow even deeper in our love for Christ. 

On the other hand, materialism is linked to an unwillingness to deal with thoughts, feelings and circumstances that could present opportunities for character development. 

A materialistic person will be inclined to use others rather than serve them. While excitement and a temporary sense of well being may be gained through material accomplishment, long-term joy is always beyond reach. 

Unbelievers are typically convinced that men are born good and are simply influenced negatively by outward circumstances. If that were true, it would also make sense that happiness and joy could be gained through positive circumstances. A savior would be unnecessary. But Scripture is clear that humans are born sinful. 

Months ago, a video of a well-known pastor’s wife went viral. She spurred on the megachurch congregation: “Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really.” She continued, “You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy.” 

Her words satisfied the ears of many, evidenced by the applause that filled the auditorium. But in reality, the gospel goes far beyond fleeting moments of excitement or fulfilling one’s selfish desires to attain happiness.

Theologian Albert Mohler expressed concerns about this particular megachurch’s focus on happiness with no talk of repentance, the cross or the atoning blood of Christ. He wrote: “The problem with prosperity theology is not that it promises too much, but that it aims for so little. 

What God promises us in Christ is far above anything that can be measured in earthly wealth – and believers are not promised earthly wealth or the gift of health.” 

As you sit down for a Thanksgiving Day meal this year, may your heart be filled with gratitude as you ponder Christ who died for sinners like you and me and gave us an eternal home in His presence. Therein lies the happiness our hearts yearn for. 

¹Journal of Happiness Studies, Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, Volume 12, No. 2, 2010  

RESOURCE
Paul Washer challenges readers to rediscover the gospel by examining the real meaning of faith, repentance, and receiving Christ.