KEYS
TO A HAPPY LIFE
In the book of Philippians Paul offers several keys to happiness. Some
people are happy; others actually work at making themselves and those around
them miserable. Let us all use these keys and learn to be happy.
Receive grace and peace from Jesus Christ: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ." (Philippians 1:2) Always focus on the good things of life,
especially on forgiveness and hope.
Remember to be thankful: "I thank my
God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making
request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now." (Philippians 1:3-5) Be thankful for other people and for
the good they do. Be thankful for salvation, the church, and the opportunity to
serve.
Remain humble and have the spirit of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in
Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5) If you think too highly of self you may
get to feel sorry for yourself. Both attitudes will make you miserable. Those
with a humble, Christ-like spirit find happiness regardless of circumstances.
Renounce complaining and murmuring: "Do
all things without complaining and disputing." (Philippians 2:14) Those
who hold grudges and complain about every little slight will always be
miserable. You also guarantee yourself and others misery if you think you are
entitled to special privileges.
Rejoice in your
relationship with the Lord. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again
I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) True happiness belongs to those
who are "in Christ." Christians have much to rejoice about,
especially forgiveness.
Realize God’s care for your life: "And
my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Money is not the answer. God is the answer to
man's needs.
Do not feel sorry for yourself.
Lift up your head and heart. Be thankful and enjoy the peace of God. "Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
To
become a Christian you must hear the gospel and believe (John
By Charles Box,