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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Happy (07/12/07)
The world loves us so much, that it wants to see us happy. That’s why it is in the booming business of endless liberties, quick-fixes, expert advice, and boundless freedoms. If an empty pocketbook has left you gloomily without the conveniences enjoyed by your peers, the world offers you an array of money-making schemes sure to push you back up to the place of luxury and respect you deserve. If droopy buttocks and flabby abdominals have stolen your joy, simply choose from one of hundreds of pills, machinery, or diets that the world has devised for the sole purpose of your contentment. When all you need is a moment away from the pressures of responsibility, enjoy a drink, a smoke, a night of steamy guilt-free sex – no strings attached. After all, you deserve it! Besides, if you’re not happy, what’s the point of living?

From this happy world’s point of view, the most vital aspect of child-rearing, is the happiness of the child. You see, children have an internal compass, instilled by nature, wherein the inherent nature of a thing is gauged by how much it disturbs or pleases the child. Obviously, a the child wishes only to drink juice and cola, shunning milk and water, there must be some nutrient or mineral his body craves, which can be found only in the former two. When he refuses to obey his mother and father, it becomes obvious that they expect too much of him, and if forced against his will to obey, he will surely suffer long-term psychological effects. When our children are teens, and they long to fit in, we know that doing so will make them comfortable with themselves and encourage a more positive self-image. We have all felt the pain of teenage awkwardness, so what does it matter if she dresses in the latest skimpy fashions, knows the lyrics to the most popular songs, or kisses the occasional boy? After all, it’s her happiness that’s on the line.

Much to the dismay of the proprietors of such happy living, happiness is not the ultimate priority of God for our lives. He loves us so much that He is willing to suffer our discomfort, our grief, our pain in perseverance in order that we may be made perfect. His often misunderstood love causes Him to withhold the very things we want, in exchange for the things we really need. He cares for us in such a way that He refuses to allow us comfort in a world that is not ours, so that we may always long for and never forget the glorious kingdom that awaits us. God loves us so much that He has pushed aside that which produces fleeting, momentary happiness in the lives of his children, and replaced those things with that which produces ever-flowing joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding.
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This article has been read 948 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
c clemons
07/21/07
I liked this, couldn't have said it better myself.
Kevin Rodgers
07/23/07
It can be so tempting to live a sinful life because of the apparent happiness and pleasures the world may seem to provide. But we must all remember that God knows what we need in order to live a fulfilled life...and it is nothing that the world can offer us. Good message, good writing, and good job!
Phyllis Inniss 
07/25/07
Your article is timely and to the point. It's such a pity that some people would be angry with the very point of view that would save them and their offspring from later suffering and disaster.
Dee Yoder
07/26/07
Very true! Good article about the real meaning of happiness! Thanks for sharing.