The Way to True Happinessنموونە

Find enjoyment and rejoice!

This passage outlines two important principles for a happy life. The first one is to recognize that all good things come from God. And the second is that you can enjoy it here and now, there is no need to delay. You can joyfully accept and use the good that God gives, trusting that He approves, and acknowledging that in everything we are dependent on our Creator. As citizens of His Kingdom, we are encouraged to enjoy His gifts.

In this world we are constantly encouraged to enjoy ourselves, to buy food, drink, go on holidays, buy cars and so on. Pleasure is the main motivator for people to amass wealth to then spend for their enjoyment. They do not ask themselves whether they are using money well, to serve God and their neighbors. Selfishness determines how they use their wealth. The author of Ecclesiastes sees things quite differently.

He advises you to accept life’s destiny, to look at what is good in your life and enjoy it. This is better than to deny yourself pleasure or be jealous of someone else's good fortune. Don't compare yourself with others all the time. God forbids us from making idols of our possessions or being covetous (Exodus 20:3; 20:17). Timothy was instructed to warn those who were rich “not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy; and to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18 ESV). This is how we apply the Great Commandment the Lord has taught us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself“ (Mark 12:31-32 ESV). This is how you will achieve a happy life!