In 2018, nearly 25% of all Yale undergraduates signed up for a class on happiness. It was the most popular class in the history of the University, so popular that it was not offered again because it impacted filling other classes. A class on HAPPINESS? Many of these “best and the brightest” students were finding “happiness” quite elusive.
It is not just young college kids who are experiencing these frustrations. A few years back, Tom Brady went on 60 Minutes. Tom had the rings, the wife, the fame, the house, and the money but said, “I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think, ‘God, it’s got to be more than this. I mean, this isn’t, this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.’ The interviewer said, ‘What’s the answer?’ Brady said, ‘I wish I knew. I wish I knew.’”
Jesus addressed this “Happiness” question in His Sermon on the Mount. Eight times He used the expression, “Blessed are…” Some translators even use the words “Happy are…” He wanted to address the deeper question of not just fleeting eternal happiness but inner happiness, joy, contentment, tranquility, and well-being regardless of circumstances. His Eight Beatitudes are a radical upside-down rearrangement of values and shocking compared to conventional thinking. You can read the “Blessed are the…” list in Matthew 5:1-12.
- Poor in spirit – Huh? No one starts here. Jesus says the starting point of this new life is to realize you are spiritually bankrupt before God. You cannot do it yourself but need a Savior and a new Source of life. (See Luke 18:9-14 on how this works.)
- Mourn – This means we do not take our sins lightly. (See Luke 22:60-62)
- Meek – Many assume meekness means weakness. Not at all. Jesus plucked the word from the equestrian world, which spoke of a wild stallion getting broken and having all that strength and beauty coming under the control of a master. A new life flows out of our surrender to the Master.
- Hunger and thirst for righteousness – New affections and new desires create a new life.
- Merciful – The first four beatitudes have to do with our vertical relationship with God. What we do with others impacts us as well. As we have received mercy, we must extend mercy.
- Pure in heart – Real happiness can only grow as the mind is rewired and shaped. Our heart begins resonating with new values and we are honest about who we are.
- Peacemakers – There will always be spats and battles, but a heart for reconciliation grows.
- Persecuted for righteousness – Notice this does not say, “Blessed are you for being a Jerk.” It says that there will be inevitable clashes between the values of the World and Kingdom values. God will provide grace and blessing to those who pay the price for walking through hell on earth.
Do you believe God wants your best? You might try His 8 Beatitudes. Are you like the people up on the hill who were amazed at this teaching and invitation to all? Will you build a life on sinking sand or upon the ROCK?
Written by Dr. Michael Sprague
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Grandfather Magazine
Featured Image by Robert Bye on Unsplash
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