Chasing Happiness - Greg Laurie Devotion - June 10, 2021
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Chasing Happiness
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35 NLT).
We live in a selfie culture. In fact, people have literally died by trying to capture the ultimate selfie. We want to look good and project an image of having it all together. We’re a self-obsessed society.
Interestingly, the Bible says that narcissism will be one of the signs of the last days: “In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred” (2 Timothy 3:1-2 NLT).
Isn’t that an accurate description of today?
However, selfish people are unhappy people. Studies have confirmed this. We actually get a momentary burst of what we might call temporary happiness when we do something selfish.
One expert pointed out that selfish acts bring us happiness, but only for short-term periods of time. Then our selfish happiness fades quickly and ultimately drives us to more selfish behavior.
On the other hand, selfless acts bring happiness. We know this from experience after we do something for someone else.
In contrast to our narcissistic culture, Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35 NLT).
Jesus is effectively saying, “If you get your priorities in order and deny yourself instead of loving yourself and being obsessed with yourself, you will find fulfillment in life.”
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. In fact, Jesus is really telling us how to be happy. But it isn’t by chasing happiness.
So we won’t find happiness by pursuing it. Rather, we’ll find it by putting God first in our lives and following Him.
Copyright © 2021 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
Grief is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Pastor Greg Laurie experienced this truth when his son Christopher passed away suddenly. Discover comfort and healing in times of pain as you read his book Hope for Hurting Hearts. Receive your copy as our gift for your donation of any amount to Harvest Ministries this month.
