Holy, Not Happy
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." — 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Have you noticed how many people operate under the assumption that God wants them to be happy?
I've heard it a thousand times. "As long as you're happy, that's all that counts." Well, let me give you a theological word for that. Hogwash. God is not in the business of making you happy. He wants to make you holy.
Now don't misunderstand me. God loves you deeply, and there is genuine joy in walking with Him. But that joy comes as a byproduct of pursuing holiness, not as a result of chasing happiness on your own terms.
We're living in a time when people want to be applauded for their sin rather than broken over their sin. There used to be a time when altars were flooded with people who were grieved by their failures and desperate for God's forgiveness. Now folks want a standing ovation for choices that dishonor God. That ought to concern us.
If God is nudging you today about something in your life that doesn't please Him, don't run from it. Own it. Repent. Turn away while there's still time. He's not trying to steal your joy or make you miserable. He's trying to give you something far better than temporary happiness.
You see, when you pursue holiness, you discover that real satisfaction was waiting for you all along. God knows what He's doing. Trust Him with your life, and watch what He does in your heart.
Have you noticed how many people operate under the assumption that God wants them to be happy?
I've heard it a thousand times. "As long as you're happy, that's all that counts." Well, let me give you a theological word for that. Hogwash. God is not in the business of making you happy. He wants to make you holy.
Now don't misunderstand me. God loves you deeply, and there is genuine joy in walking with Him. But that joy comes as a byproduct of pursuing holiness, not as a result of chasing happiness on your own terms.
We're living in a time when people want to be applauded for their sin rather than broken over their sin. There used to be a time when altars were flooded with people who were grieved by their failures and desperate for God's forgiveness. Now folks want a standing ovation for choices that dishonor God. That ought to concern us.
If God is nudging you today about something in your life that doesn't please Him, don't run from it. Own it. Repent. Turn away while there's still time. He's not trying to steal your joy or make you miserable. He's trying to give you something far better than temporary happiness.
You see, when you pursue holiness, you discover that real satisfaction was waiting for you all along. God knows what He's doing. Trust Him with your life, and watch what He does in your heart.
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