IS EVERYBODY HAPPY

From My Perspective - - -

Ted Lewis was an entertainer and musician whose peak years were between 1925 and 1945. A catch-phrase that he would often use in his stage performances was: “Is everybody happy?” The audiences would respond with applause as their indication that they were “happy” at that particular moment. The question of “Happiness” was the subject of a recent Harris Poll conducted online during April 10-15, 2013. Because of the way the Poll was conducted, the results may not be an accurate reflection of the level of Happiness versus Unhappiness in the nation. However, the results indicated: “Only a third of U.S. adults say they are very happy - minorities show particularly pronounced declines in the past two years, a U.S. survey indicates…Since last measured two years ago, the Happiness Index was especially low among the Hispanic-American population. It is important to note that a causal link cannot be established, it might not be a coincidence that this drop coincides with a political landscape that has seen frequent, sometimes contentious, discussion of immigration policy in recent months…”

The Poll Analysis also reflected the following: "While the attitudes on the economy may be improving, we're seeing that this is not translating into an improvement in overall happiness… Americans earning under $50,000 per year were less likely to qualify as very happy than in 2011 - down from 33 percent to 29 percent among those earning less than $35,000, and from 35 percent to 32 percent among those earning between $35,000-$49,999. Those 50 and older were more likely to be very happy than younger people. Thirty-two percent of political independents were less likely to qualify as very happy than members of either the Democratic or Republican parties at 35 percent each.”

There is a basic deficiency in terms of measuring “Happiness.” Why? A general answer is that “Happiness” depends on two variables: (a) what is happening/occurring at a particular moment of time; and (b) the unpredictable nature of circumstances. For instance, an unplanned and unpredicted automobile accident can and will radically change one’s sense and level of “happiness.” An older adult can suddenly and unexpectedly fall and broken bones can often be the result – none of which makes the individual “happy.” The list could include many of the unknowns that one may encounter, One of the keys to happiness is in terms of one’s focus. If one is seeking “happiness” based upon wealth, fame, recognition, or status, then disappointment awaits. All of that – like “happiness” itself – rests upon the shifting sands of circumstances and events, The events of life are temporary and need to be viewed as being so.

Two passages of Scripture should be of assistance in terms of true happiness. The first is Matthew 5 where Jesus shares Eight Principles for Life and Practice. They are The Beatitudes. Books and Commentaries have been written on these eight principles. One point that is obvious is the word “Blessed.” An accurate and apt translation is – “perfectly happy” is the one who does what Jesus is teaching. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary begins the discussion of Matthew 5 with these words: “None will find happiness in this world or the next, who do not seek it from Christ by the rule of His Word. He taught them what was the evil they should abhor, and what is the good they should seek and abound in.” The second passage is John 15 where Jesus speaks of the relationship between the vine and the branches. Jesus emphasizes in verses 7 and 11: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

What then is the difference between “happiness” and “joy”? Happiness is determined by circumstances and happenings, whereas joy is based upon a relationship with and in Jesus Christ. The two criteria for “Joy” being the reality in one’s life is (a) Abiding in a continuous relationship with Jesus Christ, and (b) His Word being the authority in and for one’s life in all things and at all times. The question might be better asked: Is everyone’s “Joy” complete and full? If one is abiding in Christ, the answer will be “Yes”! If one is allowing events and circumstances as the determining factor regarding “Happiness, then the answer will be “No”! Choose Jesus Christ and His Word and have complete joy. Consider these things with me.