Happiness Degree at Harvard University?

Over at Harvard University, you can take an academic subject on "Happiness." Amazing, isn't it? A professor teaches students in that class "how to be happy!"

I think it's not a bad idea. People long and search for happiness. Even as I write these words, I'm aware of my own inner desire to attain a state of happiness. The only difference is that I'd traveled a way before. And I recognize some landmarks now.

Just a couple of months ago, I was faced with a particular decision about the way I should move on. How should I act? How should I live? At one point, I got tempted to go after "earthly happiness" that only pleases myself as a most important pursuit. It's when my thinking got confused.

What is true happiness then?

Psalm 1: 1, 2 states, "Happy is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night."

True happiness comes from a holy, God-honoring life. Indeed, each time we face choices about the way we should act, choose, or live, we need to keep in mind God's standard of true happiness.

Comments

Anonymous said…

I have heard someone say, and I tend to agree, that you cannot find happiness by trying to get happiness. If you try to get happiness for yourself, you will not find it. Happiness is a byproduct of living the right way of life, and I think that right way of life must include an outgoing concern for others and service towards others.

If a person focuses too much on finding happiness for himself or herself, there is a danger that this will develop too much into an inward, selfish focus, and that inward focus can hurt a person's chance for happiness.

I also think that fearing God and obeying His word will lead to happiness in the long run.

Monday, 07 April, 2008