Research differs but many believe that happiness comes from three things: our temperament, love and relationships and having things.  They also differ on how much each gives us.  For example, 10% of happiness comes from things: such as being rich, having fame and power, buying a new car, going on vacation or even having a good meal.  Then 40% comes from our temperament.  This is how we were wired when born.  Some babies are always happy and some babies are always fussing.  If you were a fussy baby you may need more love than those others. Another 50% of happiness comes from love and relationships.  We are told that children who have had little love often times look for love in the wrong places.  Everyone wants to be happy.  They just do not understand how it is obtained.  Too many live their whole lives being unhappy.  A Christian has absolutely no reason to be unhappy for any period of time.

Genesis 1:26 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.”  Adam and Eve did not sin because of disobedience.  They sinned because they wanted to be a God. Genesis 3:4 – 5 – “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.  “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  We believe that man was created to fellowship with God.  No matter how hard we may try, man cannot be totally fulfilled separated from God.  There will always be an emptiness until a relationship with God exists.

Many people, being created in the likeness of God, want to be God. You may know people who want to be treated as if they were God.  However, there is a tremendous difference between being like God and being God.  But they think the only way they will ever be happy is to be in ultimate control.  They want and need to be loved but rarely are unwilling to give love.  If people were honest, many would sell their souls to Satan and some, we believe, have.

Why should people want to be happy?  Science tells us happy people are usually healthier than unhappy persons.  Happy people normally heal quicker than unhappy ones.  They also share that happy people live longer.  Some unhappy people unable to have wholesome relationships with others end up institutionalized.  I would not say I am a happy person but, I certainly am satisfied and not unhappy. That seems to be my temperament for I was told I was a fussy baby.   Everyone needs to be and can be happy or at least satisfied and not unhappy for many reasons.

Why do you think Christ gave us the two greatest commandments?  They are found in Scripture: Matthew 22:37 – “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”   Doesn’t it sound like Christ is telling us that if you want to have a happy life you must love God and others? Psychologists tell us that love is the most powerful drive of man.  However, coerced love is not love and Scripture makes that very clear.  You can’t buy love as some try. Many think that getting married will automatically make them happy.  But it takes continual love to keep happy.  If one or both are not trying to show love to the other they look for happiness elsewhere.  I once read that if you have a bad marriage chances are one or both do not have a good relationship with God.  I don’t suppose that fits every marriage but is something to consider.

Luke 12:15 – “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

People believe wealth and material things will give them happiness. They can become workaholics trying to find happiness in things.   If worldly things only satisfies 10% of our person, no matter how much we have, it will never be enough to keep us happy, except temporarily.  If our temperaments didn’t automatically make us happy that means a greater percent must come from relationships and love.

We as humans are curious and restless.  We can so easily become discontented and disenchanted.  We think things can satisfy us.  We believe achievements and influences will fulfill what will make us happy.  It may, but only temporarily.  Since an abundance of possessions will not satisfy us for long we then may turn to addictions.  What causes most addictions: a lack of happiness and a feeling of insecurity? How long does a high last? Where do we find security if it not from the love of others and the love of self?

How often do we think about being created in the likeness of God?  Do we realize we have been given a will that needs affections and passions with a liberty and freedom of choice?  God made man so that man would love Him. Have you not read: “God is love?” When man showed his love and affection to God, He blessed them abundantly and He met their every need.  Being created in God’s likeness we too need love.

Matthew 16:24 states we must deny ourselves and follow Christ.  Jesus teaches we must have self-love in order to love God and others.  God wants us to have a high measure of self-acceptance and self-esteem.  Self love is not a sin.  It is selfishness, a distortion of love that is sinful.  Another sinful love is lust.

One thing that limits love is fear.  We must not try to be someone else.  We must not love for selfish reasons.  Love does not try to manipulate others.  Scripture repeatedly tells us: to have joy, peace and calmness requires a heart totally cleansed and obedient that loves God and our fellow men.  I believe if you were once saved and then go back to your old sinful ways, you didn’t experience a true born again experience.  But there is always a second chance.  Once you find yourself truly loving God and others it is a very good indicator that you have salvation.  You can’t unconditionally love God and others on your own because it requires the assistance of the Holy Spirit.