We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
1. Life — Psalms 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” We have been entrusted with a great godly heritage from our founding fathers. The right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Life is a precious gift from God and every single person from the womb to the nursing home has the right to life. George Washington wrote in his prayer journal, “Almighty and eternal Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our founding fathers signed this declaration believing that all men were created equal and we all have the right to life.
What are you doing with the life God has given you? God pays attention to what you do. How you live your life. You see your life is not about you. The search for meaning and purpose to life has puzzled people for thousands of years but that is because we have been starting at the wrong place. What should I do with my life? What should I be? Revelation 4:11 says, “For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” You see your life has far greater meaning than your personal fulfillment. If you really what to know what God’s purpose for your life is, then you have to stop starting with yourself and start with God. The key to having a happy life is not in pleasing yourself all the time but in what pleases God.
What are you doing with the life God has given you? God pays attention to what you do. How you live your life. You see your life is not about you. The search for meaning and purpose to life has puzzled people for thousands of years but that is because we have been starting at the wrong place.Matthew Spoonhour
2.Liberty — Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty.” Liberty is a great privilege that we enjoy, because of the thousands of men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Our founding fathers knew that they were committing treason when they signed the Declaration of Independence. Many of them became marked men and lost their families and homes for the sake of liberty. What are we willing to give up for the cause of Christ? In Luke 9, a couple people came to Christ and said I want to follow you but let me go bury my father or let me go say goodbye first. Jesus said deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. Is He worth it? Do you give up anything to serve him? Does He get the leftovers at the end of day or does he get all of you?
3. Pursuit of Happiness — Nehemiah 8:10 “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” How many people reading this want to be happy? In John 10:10 “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” God wants to bless us and wants us to have joy.
People are so busy pursuing happiness that God has had it all along if we would just take the time to rejoice in him. God wants you to be happy. He wants you to have joy and peace. He can give you what you are looking for. How much do you talk to God every day? Do you enjoy God? Because He enjoys you. Its ok to pursue happiness but start pursuing after the right kind of happiness that only God can give you. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Matthew Spoonhour is pastor of First Baptist Church, Monroe.
