Is happiness in this life a good idea?

Psalm 102 • Psalm 107:1-32
Hosea 10:1-15 • Acts 21:37 - 22:16 • Luke 6:12-26

In Luke, Chapter 6, Jesus says to his disciples, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh."

He goes on to say that when people hate you and revile you that you are blessed. The translation might be summarized as to say that there is a reciprocal relationship between happiness/contentment now, on earth, in this life, and how we will experience heaven. Did Jesus recommend we be hungry, sad, and hated in this life so that we can enjoy heaven? That question is a conundrum for me. I have been unhappy a good bit during my lifetime and have worked hard to be a happier camper. Have these efforts been setting me up to mourn and weep in the next life?

The Epicureans said, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you will die." There is a serious disconnect in these two approaches to life on earth. What do we do? The Bible seems to be filled with conundrums (or is it conundra?). Jesus said that he came so we might have Life and have it more abundantly. I take that to mean to live more in line with the Epicureans than those grim words in Luke.

What is the way out of this dilemma? I have found my way out in a quote from the theologian, Howard Thurman. He said, "Ask not what the world needs; ask what makes you COME ALIVE—and go and do that; for what the world needs are people who have COME ALIVE!" 

Cowabunga!

Written by Nicholas Cole

...who is glad to be surrendering to the Holy Spirit...on the good days!