The Problem of Happiness, Part 5

   In my last post, I utilized the book of John, chapter 17, to demonstrate that Jesus perceived the cosmos as having two, overlapping, co-existing realms: a heavenly, invisible realm and an earthly, visible one. Moreover, I also proposed that maintaining a firm, fixed conviction of this two-realm view of the cosmos is vital, as many people (even professing Christians) live like the cosmos has been reduced to what they can perceive with their five bodily senses. Furthermore, I indicated that this is precisely where many of us lose our spiritual way. In reality, our "faith" is rooted in our own, uninformed, spiritual blurriness (even if we highly respect the Bible), and our happiness-hungry hearts and minds are myopic, primarily focusing on earthly realities and priorities. Consequently, we desperately need a life-map to happiness from a Source of wisdom higher than ourselves.
   Accordingly, how would such a spiritually disoriented person begin wisely pursuing God's will in his or her endless search for lasting happiness? Well, such a new beginning would first involve clearly understanding some basic truths that God has revealed in the Bible. The Bible, God's inspired revelation of His will (2 Tim 3:16), indicates that such a pursuit begins with faith (Heb 11:6), and that true faith must be rooted in what God has revealed, via His Son, in His written Word (Jn 1:1, 14; 5:24; Rom 10:17). Moreover, true faith is not a subjective leap in the dark; instead, it is an objective leap in the light (2 Pet 1:19, 20-21; Ps 119:105). Furthermore, true faith apprehends that the cosmos is comprised of two, overlapping, co-existing realms: a heavenly, invisible realm and an earthly, visible one (Heb 11:1-3). Finally, true faith is evidenced by the opening of a spiritual eye that has been born from above of God's Spirit (Jn 3:3, 5-8), an eye-opening experience that radically shifts one's spiritual perspective (2 Cor 4:18). This is what is initially involved with being numbered among God's blessed, covenant people (Jn 17:6, 7-8). 
    Further, having such an opened eye of faith will also continue to radically alter a person's worldview and priorities (2 Cor 5:7). The Scriptures teach that true faith will persevere, perpetually resting in and on God's heavenly, enthroned Son (Jn 14:6; 15:2, 4-5, 6; Col 3:1-4; Phil 2:9-11). Moreover, such a vigorous faith will also be authenticated by a humble, contrite heart that wisely repents, a heart ever bent on submitting to God's revealed will (Isa 66:2; Heb 12:1-2; Jn 3:36; Mt 6:10).

   In conclusion, it is in this spiritual soil, so to speak, that true faith thrives. And, true faith, born of God's Spirit and born from above, is marked by: a happiness-hungry heart and mind that is primarily bent toward vertical, heavenly priorities (Mt 6:19-20); an open eye of faith that is illumined and healthy (Mt 6:22-23); and a sober, spiritual perspective that acknowledges the impossibility of simultaneously pursuing two primary life-treasures (Mt 6:21, 24). And, this is how a true believer, by faith, begins realizing a divine, heavenly joy that is but a foretaste of ultimate human blessedness and bliss (Jn 17:13; 1 Pet 1:8-9).

Note: This post is the last in a series of posts entitled, "The Problem of Happiness." On Sunday evenings, as part of the ministry of Park Woods Presbyterian Church, I'm currently leading a Bible-study/Fellowship on this topic. These weekly Bible studies are an even deeper look at The Problem of Happiness, so if you are interested in a fuller treatment of this subject, access the more elaborate study notes here: "Problem of Happiness" study notes.