"I will be happy when I get married and have children."
"I will be happy when I have my own home."
"I will be happy when I get a good job."
"I will be happy when ..."
Have you ever said such a thing? When your wish is fulfilled, does your happiness persist or gradually diminish? It is true that when we get what we desire, it is true. So we get happiness, but often it doesn't last long. Just as health is not only achieved through good food, but it also requires some other things, so also eternal happiness is only the fulfillment of desires. There are other important steps that can be taken to achieve this.
Every human being is different from other human beings. What makes us happy does not necessarily make others happy, but our desires and passions change with age. There are principles that keep us happy in all circumstances, such as being content with what we have, not being jealous of others, showing love for others, and not giving up in the face of adversity. Let's take a look at these principles in turn.
1. Be content with what you have
The ancient philosopher King Solomon made an in-depth study of human nature, saying that wealth “gives shelter.” But he also said that “he who loves money will never be satisfied, even if No matter how much money he has, he who is rich will never be happy, no matter how much money he has. This is also false. ”(Ecclesiastes 5:10) 7:12, English Geo Version) What principle did King Solomon want to teach? Money is necessary to live, but we must avoid greed because the intention of a greedy person is never fulfilled. He tried to see for himself whether riches and pleasures were the real happiness. He wrote: "All that my eyes have desired I have not forsaken them." Do not let your heart be troubled. ”- Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:10.
Solomon amassed great riches, built magnificent houses, beautiful gardens and ponds, and kept countless servants and maids, and obtained what he wanted. What was the result? He said: “There is no gain in this world,” and “I have seen that all things are void” (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17). 18) They rejoiced at what they had gathered, but it did not last long. They were raised from the dead. They learned that the life of a man of luxury Is hollow and pointless. *
Do modern scholars agree with King Solomon's observation? A book on the elements that promote happiness states: “When a person's basic needs are met, earning more money will help him. There is no significant increase in happiness. ”In fact, research has shown that when a person accumulates a lot of wealth, especially when he puts his moral and spiritual standards at stake. Happiness may fade instead of increase.
Scriptural Principle: “Be free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” - Hebrews 13: 5.
2. Don't be jealous of others
One dictionary defines jealousy as: "jealousy or jealousy over one's superiority or success." A jealous person wants the honor and happiness of others, just as a dangerous disease can take away one's life. In the same way, jealousy robs a person of happiness. How can jealousy take root in a person's heart? How can we know that jealousy is growing inside us? And how can we overcome it?
An encyclopedia of social psychology states that people are often jealous of those who are their peers, peers or peers. For example, a salesman will not be jealous of a famous actor, but perhaps He should be jealous of the salesman who is more successful than him.
Consider an example: In ancient times, there were some government officials in the land of Persia, one of whom was named Daniel. They plotted to kill Daniel, but their plot failed. (Daniel 6: 1-24) The encyclopedia mentioned earlier, It also states: "Jealousy incites others to harm. That is why so many disgusting historical events have been linked to jealousy."
He who is envied does not enjoy the blessings that are with him.
How do we know that envy is growing inside us? Ask yourself: “When my peers or peers have any success, am I happy or sad? When my brother or sister is intelligent Do I feel sad or happy when a classmate or co-worker fails at something? ”If you are sad about the success of others and happy about the failure of others, then you are jealous. Genesis 26: 12-14) The Encyclopedia of Social Psychology also states: “He who is envied does not enjoy the pleasures that he has. Nor does he value them ... Jealousy licks his happiness. ”
In order to overcome jealousy, it is necessary to cultivate humility and humility in ourselves. By doing so, we will appreciate the abilities and virtues of others instead of being jealous of them. The Holy Scriptures advise that Do nothing out of pride, but humbly consider one another to be superior to you. ”- Philippians 2: 3.
Scriptural Principle: “Let us not exalt one another, nor be jealous of one another.” - Galatians 5:26.
3. Show love for others
A book on social psychology states: "People do not find as much happiness and satisfaction in a good job, income, and health as they do in a good relationship with others." It is found when we love others and when others love us.The Scriptures tell us that if we do not love others, we are nothing. 1 1 Corinthians 13: 2.
There is always room for love in others. Consider the example of a girl named Vanessa, whose father was a drunkard and a quarrelsome man. She left home at the age of 14. She ran away. From then on, the government gave the responsibility of taking care of her to different people. She lived in a darlaman where the environment was very bad. The answer was that he was sent to live with a family that practiced the principle of “love is patient and kind.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4). He was greatly influenced by the members of this family. In addition, he himself learned many good things from the Word of God. This helped him to recover mentally and emotionally. Vanessa said: "In the first school, my marks were always low, but then my marks started getting better."
Vanessa is now married and has two daughters, and although the scars on her heart are still there, she is living a happy life.
Scriptural Principle: “Bind the love that is the belt of perfection.” - Colossians 3:14.
4. Don't give up despite difficulties
The Scriptures say, “There is a time to weep and a time to grieve” (Ecclesiastes 3: 4). But if we do not give up in spite of the difficulties, our happiness remains. Consider the example of Carol and Meldred.
Carol has diabetes and has difficulty breathing during sleep. She also has a spinal cord injury and her left eye does not work. However, she says: Instead of thinking about my problems, I thank God that I am still able to help others. ”
Mildred also suffers from a number of ailments, including diabetes and breast cancer, as well as joint pains that have made her life miserable. But like Carol, she is so concerned about her problems. "I love people and comfort people who are sick. It benefits me a lot. When I comfort others, my focus is on my own problems," she says. Is removed. "
They both deal with their confidence as they choose to embark on their play activities. There is the heartfelt joy that no one can take away from them. Besides, people love them, and those who are going through hardships are encouraged by their example.
The principle of Scripture: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is accepted, he shall receive the crown of life. James 1:12
Those who follow the principles of God's Word, the Bible, will find true happiness (Proverbs 3: 13-18). Why not try these principles in your own life? See, since happiness is an aspect of God, He wants you to be happy too.
Don't be discouraged by mistakes and failures
Some people hurt themselves when they make a mistake. In a world of depression, they may say, "I'm just a scumbag" or "I can't do anything right." The Scriptures say that “a heart of despair dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) A book on dealing with life's difficulties says: Recognize that mistakes and failures are part of human life ... take steps to deal with them instead of getting frustrated. ”That way, you will not give up despite the difficulties.
Show gratitude
The Scriptures give good advice: “Be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) Research has shown that if we consider and appreciate the blessings of life, Our happiness is enhanced by the other ways in which they show love for us.
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