The Choice to be Happy

By Jeff Curtis

Each of us makes a daily choice to be happy or unhappy. It really depends upon us (in spite of the common belief that others make us happy or unhappy). The great a “cheerful heart.”

We should be happy with our food and drink (Eccl.9:7). Some are dying of thirst and starvation. Those of us who have our “daily bread” should show an attitude of gratitude.

We should be happy with our clothing (Eccl.9:8a). Simply wearing clothes that are comfortable should give us a sense of joy. Many in this world lack clothing appropriate for changes in the weather. If we have adequate clothing, we should rejoice in God’s provision for us.

We be happy if we have medicine (Eccl. 8b). Solomon mentioned the benefits of “oil.” Oil was used for medicinal purposes and as ointment to aid dry skin. Not everyone enjoys the availability of medical services or the resources to pay for them.

Those who are married should be happily married (Eccl.9:9). The man who finds a wife has found “a good thing” (Proverbs 18:22). Many are in unhappy marriages. Why? Usually, one spouse or both spouses have failed to invest effort into building the best marriage possible. Also, many fail to develop contentment with a mate. If the husband is always looking at other women or the wife is thinking of other men, that lack of commitment will grow like a cancer in that marriage.

We should be happy with our work (Eccl.9:10). While many continually complain about their jobs, others are happy with the same jobs. What is the difference? The happy workers are determined to maintain positive attitudes about the job.

Happiness is within each person’s reach. Let’s choose to seize it.

Meditate on this:

1 John 5:3

…this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

“Wisdom” of Man

By Ethan Tidwell

Many people live without God, searching for meaning and purpose. In their pursuit of fulfillment, some turn to human wisdom, seeking significance through organizations or movements that cater to their need for value. Others look to philosophy or science for answers about the earth and the cosmos, and philosophy for understanding one’s sense of self and how to live. These fields offer valuable insights into humanity and come from intelligent minds who have contributed greatly to human knowledge.

However, while these teachings can help us understand the world, we must remember they cannot save our souls. No matter how wise these thinkers may be, their insights don’t address humanity's deepest need: salvation. Human wisdom, no matter how well-intentioned, falls short when it comes to eternal matters. Philosophers and scientists may help us better understand the world, but without God, their teachings cannot lead to eternal life. Our souls long for more than just intellectual understanding or moral philosophy.

Some people choose to live without religion or doctrine, believing that being morally good is enough. Many atheists hold this view—they don’t believe in divine authority but still see justice and morality as essential. They rely on government and laws to establish order and justice. However, they often overlook the truth that God is the ultimate source of justice and law. Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that all authority, whether from government or law, comes from God. As Paul writes, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” This means that even the laws they uphold are ultimately rooted in God’s plan for order. People may rely on these systems of justice, but they are ultimately built upon the foundation that God established.

1 Peter 2:13-14 further emphasizes this by saying, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” This passage reinforces that we should honor and obey the laws of the land, as they are ultimately established by God. Even those who reject divine authority depend on the justice God has put in place, though they may not recognize it. Their sense of morality is still rooted in a system that God governs.

Striving to be morally good is admirable and can positively impact the world, but without God, these efforts are incomplete. Good conduct alone cannot address humanity’s.

greatest need—salvation. Moral actions, separated from God, fall short of reconciling us with Him and providing the eternal purpose that only a relationship with Him can offer. While moral behavior is valuable, it is ultimately the love and grace of God that brings true meaning to our lives. Without God, all our good works and efforts fall short of the true fulfillment we seek.

Ultimately, true fulfillment comes only through God. While human philosophy and science can offer useful insights, they cannot provide salvation. Only through faith in God, through Jesus Christ, can we find the meaning and purpose that transcends our limited understanding. Without God, even the most noble efforts—morally or intellectually—are like building on a shaky foundation. They may seem stable for a time, but they will ultimately fall short in the end. True fulfillment and eternal salvation can only be found through Him. Anything else is fleeting and incomplete in comparison to the eternal life He offers.

Meditate on this:

Romans 12:1-2

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.