Bible Articles

C A R L   B.   G A R N E R JESUS' RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS The world is determined to find peace and contentment. They are moving to the suburbs, the country, or a condominium. They exercise and jog for their health so they can be at “peace” with themselves. They put their money in mutual funds, seeking peace for their old age. They are going to college for their own self-esteem. Happiness and contentment are high on everyone’s “want list.” When Jesus spoke of peace, He gave a formula consisting of eight broad principles that are capable of providing genuine happiness. Man’s formula emphasizes money, power, popularity and indulgence, but we know that man’s formula has been a dismal failure. Look at Jesus’ recipe, and see if it isn’t better than man’s. “Blessed Are The Poor in Spirit” This “poverty” of spirit is more than humility, but is the ability to recognize one’s limitations, yet not be discouraged by them. This word “poor” is the strongest term used in the Bible for poverty, describing the person who realizes just how weak he is without God’s strength. It is the opposite of the Pharisee’s attitude in Luke 18:9-14. It is the same as Solomon’s attitude in 1 Kings 3:6-9. “Blessed Are They That Mourn” Jesus does not praise those who whine and complain, but He says that those who mourn can be comforted in Him. Luke 6:21 says, “Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” Sorrow and trials are part of life, but they need not destroy us. Jesus wept over Israel’s hypocrisy and apathy, but it did not deter Him from His mission. Think on this:”They that sow in tears shall reap in joy,” Psalms 126:5. “Blessed Are The Meek” Meekness is a misunderstood term. Rhyming with weakness, some may equate it with “spineless,” or cowardly. From the Greek praotes, it is defined as “strength made tender; gentle; willingness to submit.” Meekness flows easily from humility, and those who are meek are willing to follow their master. It has courage to stand firm for convictions. It has strength, but it is controlled strength. It is angry when that is appropriate, but gentle when that is needed. Both Moses and Jesus were meek, Matthew 11:29, Numbers 12:3, but neither was weak or compromising. “Hunger..Thirst..Righteousness” Few human appetites are stronger than hunger and thirst. Jesus used these to illustrate the blessedness of those who seek the righteousness of God. Many talk about righteousness, but few know how or really desire to attain it. Solomon said, concerning wisdom, “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God,” Proverbs 2:4-5. That is why few find righteousness; they do not seek it as they would seek silver, gold or power. If you want to be filled with God’s righteousness, you must hunger and thirst after it. “Blessed Are The Merciful” Long recognized as a quality of strength and character, mercy comes from one who realizes his own need for mercy. Jesus made it clear that one who is void of mercy can expect no mercy from God, Matthew 18:35. Who is more in need of God’s mercy than man? But who is often less willing to exhibit mercy toward his fellows than man? Shakespeare even recognized the beauty of mercy: “The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed; it blesseth him who gives, and him who takes; It is mightiest in the mightiest; it is an attribute of God Himself.” We need to do some hard thinking about our need for God’s mercy before we mistreat our neighbor. “Blessed Are The Pure in Heart” “Pure” describes an item that is “unmixed, unadulterated; clean.” This may be the most demanding of all in Jesus’ formula for peace. Self-examination is required of anyone desiring a pure heart, for purity is an acquired quality. The psalmist wrote, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;” Psalms 24:3-4. The evidence of a pure heart is purity of speech, action, influence, thought and appearance. “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” It is interesting that Jesus does not speak of those who talk about peace, but those who make peace. True peace comes to those who are in the process of making peace for others, James 3:17, by bringing men and women to the “Prince of Peace,” and thereby gaining access to that peace for ourselves and others. The prophet wrote, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee,” Isaiah 26:3.