How to Be Truly Happy

Philippians 2:3-4 (NRSV) - True Happiness

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

One of the biggest problems with being human is chasing happiness. It is in our DNA to find the next thing that brings us lasting pleasure. Even in our desire to give to others, we often choose something that we ourselves prefer. For instance, when I want to treat my family to lunch, I often suggest restaurants I either like or can more easily afford. Yes, we can be selfish even in our giving. 

Paul’s words to the Philippian church remind me that true happiness is never laced with personal preference. True happiness is bereft of all selfishness. True happiness, moreover, is total submission to the interests of others. For I am never happier than when I abandon my own desires for the smiles, joy, and contentment of others. Although I may feel a buzz of delight when I treat myself to something, it never lasts. Instead, it is a temporary flare of excitement that fizzles into a smoky finish. 

So why do I continue to chase the false flare of personal preference? Because I am very human and, therefore, flawed. I am, like those early Philippian parishioners, in need of Paul’s instruction -- a reminder that being more like the love of Jesus in this world is the only way to feel true personal satisfaction in anything. 

Loving Father, I pray to be more like your Son. For Jesus came to this earth exemplifying humility and love for others over himself. Grant, dear God, that I, too, can do the same for those you have given me to love. In Jesus Christ I pray. Amen. 

Peace, 

Stan

Paul’s Prayer

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV): Paul’s Prayer

For this reason I [Paul] bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Paul’s prayer says it all. In this letter to the universal church, I am reminded of the vast depths of God’s love and how it “surpasses knowledge.” Too many times I have tried to reason out the limits of his limitless love. But let us never forget that despite every personal shortcoming, God loves us beyond knowing. 

Too often, lost in my own spiritual confusion, I isolate myself from God’s love. But this isolation is self-created and the opposite of reality. God’s love, Paul reminds us, is always present, especially in our times of doubt. This is beautiful reassurance! And always remember -- no matter the hardship, struggle, loss, or doubt -- Paul prays that we are strengthened through the Holy Spirit and “rooted and grounded,” through faith, to the love of Christ dwelling in our hearts. Amen.

Peace, 

Stan