Happiness not most important
by Bill Hartwell, Omaha, Neb.
“Everybody that you see smiling isn’t happy” is a favorite saying that one of my relatives often uses. Is it true? We’ve all had our share of both laughter and sorrow. Although we naturally enjoy laughter more than tears, most of the wisdom we gain along the way we owe to the sad times. Yet many Christians are obsessed with the pursuit of happiness.
What is our greatest need in life? Is it to be happy? We may long for a change in our circumstances, and sometimes that’s what we get. But a changed life is our deepest need. Changed circumstances may make us happier, but a changed life will make us better, for it will make us like Christ. What a joy it is to know that we have Christ in us, the hope of his glory. Happiness is not the goal of life; godliness is.
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