CHOOSING THE TRUE WAY TO HAPPINESS

The biblical inspired Word of God reveals: Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, whom the heavenly Father sent that people “may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10; John3:16). The Son said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [of heaven] except through me.” (John 14:6). And he died on a cross that whoever believes in his atoning death for their sins shall be filled with the Spirit of God and have everlasting life (John 14:15-17; Romans 6:23). 

However, the Bible informs us, there will be teachers who come as thieves, “speaking perverse things,” to draw away people from Jesus to themselves (John 17:3; Acts 20:30). Scriptures speak of them as deceptive false prophets “who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthews 7:15). “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). 

To help people believe he is the true way, Jesus did miracles which no other person could do (John 15:24). Among his unparalleled miracles, he calmed a stormy sea (Mark 4:35-41), raised people from the dead (John 11:38-44), rose from the dead to die not more (Romans 6:9); and he fulfilled all prophecies about God’s promised Messianic Savior of the world (Luke 24:44-48). 

FALSE  TEACHINGS ABOUT A WAY TO  SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS

Many popular books and teachings, like  The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, mislead  people to believe “You are God manifested in human form” (p164). And that health, wealth and happiness may be found in  your connection to an impersonal universal secret “Law of Attraction.”

THE SECRET says the following about the universal Law of Attraction that connection you to health, wealth and happiness:

Essentially, doctrines like those of The Secret teach that you should focus on temporal things of this world for achieving success and happiness in life. While they focus on achieving fleeting earthly things; they seen to deny or disregard that the Bible says: “people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). And no one should say or think: ‘“Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city…and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”’

THE BIBLE’S TRUE WAY OF SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS

In the Bible, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, wants us to be ever mindful, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [of heaven] except through me” (John 14:6). And his biblical Word he tells us, “Set your minds on things above where Christ is, and not on earthly things that soon fade away” (Colossians 3:2).   

Ancient greats of  the Bible like Abraham, Job, and Solomon, and many others set their minds on the personal Lord God above (Hebrews 11). And the God of heaven gave them desires of their hearts, and assurance of eternal life in heaven (Psalm 37:4; Mark 10:30). 

ABRAHAM learned that by believing in and obeying the Lord God, a believer can receive wealth and prosperity beyond one’s imagination. God blessed Abraham with land, riches, and recognition–and blessed all nations through his offspring, Jesus Christ who is the Son of God according to the Spirit. (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:15-18; Matthew 1). 

Jesus said,  “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).

JOB was a man who reverenced the Lord God; and God made him very prosperous. But in testing his faith in God, the Lord allowed Satan to take away all he had and afflict his body with festering sores. Job recognized that the Lord God has all power, and that he allows wealth, health and prosperity to whom he chooses for his purpose [Romans 13:2]. Job said: “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:1-21; 2:7). And he said, “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14)—I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:25-27).

Seeing Job’s faithfulness, “The LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). I

SOLOMON prayed to God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Because God was pleased with his request, and that he did not ask for wealth or something that was not according to God will,  God gave him more wisdom and riches than all other kings of the earth. (1 Kings 3:7-13).

“King Solomon was greater in wisdom and riches than all the other kings of the earth. Royalties from the whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift – articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules” (1 Kings 10:23-25 ).

Sharing some of his great wisdom, Solomon tells us that although he had riches, wisdom, honor and every pleasure of the world, he discovered these things do not lead to true happiness.  “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The rich and wise die as the poor and the fool: and they leave everything behind for someone else (Ecclesiastes 2:12). He said all the things of the world that he had are “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” – “Vanity and vexation of spirits” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). 

Better a little with the reverence of the Lord then great treasure with turmoil (Proverbs, 5:16).  

Solomon said the conclusion of the whole matter is to reverence God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13)–The one who truly trusts in the Lord will be happy (Proverbs 16:20).

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST–who created the world and everything in it (John 1:1-3, 14); who is greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42); who loved us enough to die for the salvation and eternal happiness of whoever believes in him–asks, “what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” ( Matthew 12:42; Mark 8:36). 

OUR CHOOSING THE TRUE WAY TO SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS

The Word of God cautions: “There is a way [other than Jesus Christ] that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Yet, God does not desire that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He urges his believers to pray for people who are headed the wrong way, that the Spirit of the Lord might “convict” them concerning sin and unrighteousness; and lead them to the way of truth found only in Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:1; John 16:8).

The Bible counsels believers: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6)—And he shall set you “free from the Law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). When your mind is set on things above where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of God, he shall lead you to a life of true success and eternal happiness with the God of heaven (Colossians 3:1-4).