Living with Purpose: Beyond Fleeting Happiness

In a world that often glorifies instant gratification and personal happiness above all else, we're challenged to consider a deeper, more meaningful way of living. Our culture frequently pushes us to prioritize what makes us feel good in the moment, regardless of its impact on others or its long-term consequences. From small acts like cutting in line at an amusement park to more serious offenses like cyberbullying or even political violence, the mentality of "if it makes me happy, it doesn't matter what it does to others" has permeated our society.

This self-centered pursuit of happiness has even seeped into religious circles, manifesting as the "prosperity gospel" – the misguided belief that God's primary function is to make us happy and comfortable. However, this perspective is far from biblical. While emotions like happiness are natural and can be positive, they are fleeting. True joy and fulfillment, on the other hand, can outlast life's circumstances and provide a deeper sense of purpose.

The story of Lazarus in the Bible provides a powerful illustration of this principle. When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was dying, they expected an immediate response. If Jesus had been driven solely by the desire for happiness – his own or others' – he would have rushed to heal Lazarus or performed a long-distance miracle. Instead, he deliberately waited two days before traveling to Bethany.

This delay wasn't due to indifference or lack of love. On the contrary, Jesus wept at Lazarus's tomb, demonstrating his deep affection for his friend. His purpose, however, was greater than providing momentary relief or happiness. By raising Lazarus from the dead after four days, Jesus revealed the depths of God's power and love in a way that would have lasting impact on the faith of those who witnessed it.

This account challenges us to look beyond immediate gratification and consider the greater good. It invites us to pattern our lives after Christ, who was willing to set aside temporary happiness for the sake of a higher purpose. This doesn't mean we should never experience or seek happiness, but rather that we shouldn't let it be the primary driver of our decisions and actions.

As individuals and as a church community, we're called to make Christ known to the world. This means proclaiming the good news that healing, new life, and transformation are possible through faith in Jesus. It means offering hope to those who feel lost, alone, or defined by their past mistakes. It means helping people experience the love of Christ for themselves and inspiring them to share it with others.

Living out this purpose often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. It may mean setting aside our personal preferences or expectations about how church "should" look. The future of the church may not be centered solely around Sunday morning gatherings, but could involve diverse expressions of community and worship tailored to reach different groups of people. This might include initiatives like "messy church" for families, dinner gatherings for small business owners, or programs for preschool families.

The key is to remain united in the mission of knowing Christ and making Him known, even if the methods evolve. This unity doesn't require uniformity in how we gather or express our faith, but a shared commitment to reaching out to those who are hurting and in need of hope.

Embracing this purpose-driven approach to faith and life requires a shift in perspective. Instead of asking, "What makes me happy?" we should be asking, "How can I contribute to lasting joy and fulfillment – for myself and others?" This might mean:

1. Prioritizing service to others over personal comfort
2. Investing time in building genuine relationships rather than seeking quick emotional highs
3. Being willing to have difficult conversations or make unpopular choices for the sake of truth and love
4. Committing to spiritual growth and discipleship, even when it's challenging
5. Actively seeking opportunities to share the hope of Christ with those who are hurting or searching

Living with purpose doesn't mean we'll never experience happiness. In fact, aligning our lives with God's purposes often leads to a deep sense of joy and fulfillment that surpasses fleeting emotional highs. It's about finding meaning and contentment that can sustain us through both the peaks and valleys of life.

As we reflect on our individual and collective purposes, let's remember the words attributed to Jesus in John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." This profound statement reminds us that our ultimate purpose is found in relationship with Christ – a relationship that offers life beyond our earthly existence and hope that transcends our current circumstances.

In practical terms, living out this purpose might look like:

• Actively seeking ways to serve our communities, especially those who are marginalized or overlooked
• Being intentional about building relationships with people who are different from us
• Sharing our own stories of how faith has impacted our lives
• Supporting initiatives that bring hope and healing to those in need
• Cultivating a lifestyle of prayer and dependence on God

As we embrace this purposeful way of living, we may find that our definition of "happiness" evolves. Rather than chasing after temporary pleasures or self-centered gains, we can experience the deep satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with God's will and participating in His work of redemption and restoration in the world.

Let's challenge ourselves to look beyond the pursuit of happiness and instead seek a life of purpose, rooted in the love of Christ and expressed through service to others. In doing so, we may discover a joy and fulfillment that far exceeds our expectations and leaves a lasting impact on the world around us.