Does God desire Christians to be happy?
Question
Does God desire Christians to be happy?
Answer
IKEA's vision "is to create a better everyday life for the many people." God's vision for His people is for them to "be happy in everyday life and eternity."
Yes, God wants us to be happy (1 Pet. 3:10; 3 John 2). There is no debate about this - God wants us to enjoy life here on earth, and be happy. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever" (Ps. 86; 16:5-11, et. al.). He wants us to live joyfully, to see good days, and enjoy the rewards of our labor. But, if we really want to pay attention to what God wants, let's observe this - not only does God want me to be happy, He also wants me to act holy — to glorify Him! (2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 1:3-4; Heb. 12:10; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 2:5, 9; 2 Pet. 3:11). When we act like who we have become — new creatures in Christ Jesus, separated unto His holiness — then we will enjoy life to its fullest. However, this does not mean it will not be with out its difficulties (but that is another answer).
Answer by: Joseph R. Nally, Theological Editor, on behalf of the staff at IIIM. The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the "official position" of Third Millennium Ministries.
Yes, God wants us to be happy (1 Pet. 3:10; 3 John 2). There is no debate about this - God wants us to enjoy life here on earth, and be happy. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever" (Ps. 86; 16:5-11, et. al.). He wants us to live joyfully, to see good days, and enjoy the rewards of our labor. But, if we really want to pay attention to what God wants, let's observe this - not only does God want me to be happy, He also wants me to act holy — to glorify Him! (2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 1:3-4; Heb. 12:10; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 2:5, 9; 2 Pet. 3:11). When we act like who we have become — new creatures in Christ Jesus, separated unto His holiness — then we will enjoy life to its fullest. However, this does not mean it will not be with out its difficulties (but that is another answer).
Answer by: Joseph R. Nally, Theological Editor, on behalf of the staff at IIIM. The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the "official position" of Third Millennium Ministries.
