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| Independence Hall |
We are a nation in which one of our declared purposes is the pursuit of happiness. I have always thought that this was a bit of a hedonistic statement. Did our founders make an error? Some historians think that the statement was from John Locke and originally read, "life, liberty, and property." It was then improvised by Thomas Jefferson to read, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
But if we truly are or were a Christian nation (which some critics claim we never have been), shouldn't Jefferson have said something a little bit more selfless? Did our brave forefathers goof causing us to veer off course tricking us into building big houses on golf courses instead of more important pursuits?
Of course, happiness is hard to define. In academia, they don't even like the word happiness. They prefer the term "subjective well being" instead. If you think America is the best place for "subjective well being," you may want to check out Eric Weiner's book "The Geography of Bliss." Be prepared to grab your wallet, passport, and plan on moving soon because America may not be the spot you think it is. We are somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to this certain type of "well being."
In ancient Hebrew, the word 'ester' is often translated blessed. But it also translates happy. Strong's defines 'ester' as "happiness, blessedness." In Psalms 84, the Psalmist puts it plainly. 'Ester' (happy) are those who live at your temple. Happy are those who are always praising you. Happy are those who strength is in you. Happy are people who trust in you. Happy are those who cry out to be with the Living God. In short, happiness is found in the pursuit of God. The pursuit of happiness is actually an ideal goal for a nation founded by various groups of Christians based on Christian ideals.
I pray America's greatest legacy will not be be our riches and the liberty we enjoy at least for the moment. But that we will be forever known as a nation that pursues happiness in pursuing God. The Psalmist implies that in our pursuit of God comes all the things we may long for and desire in our nation. What can we do to change the direction of America and make us a nation chasing happiness in God instead of riches or a socialist utopia?
Wasn't Thomas Jefferson a Diest? Anyway, do you think American's believe they have a special place in Gods Kingdom because of their wealth. But then find themselves constently disapointed when trouble comes and they don't feel very privileged?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can find anything in the Bible that shows that the good old USA holds a special position in prophecy or anything like that. Though we are unique to this time in history because of the Christian people and principles that founded the nation. We are also the richest nation ever, and we do carry an obligation to help and support our brothers and sisters around the world because of that. And, yes that does make us feel that we are extra privileged at times. And you know what pride can do to us.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the validity of Jefferson's choice comes down to how we define happiness. If happiness is merely about comfort and ease of living, then we are in trouble. On the other hand, I truly believe people can learn (and internalize) a deeper understanding of happiness that comes from serving others. Someday I hope to learn it and internalize it myself.
ReplyDeleteExcellent reminder Doug. Too often Americans, and Christians in America, think we "deserve" happiness. So misleading...
ReplyDeleteI had a long response to this and then my internet went offline! No energy to type it out anymore, but how do we move from the pursuit of happiness to the pursuit of God who brings happiness? Much to ponder as I seek to move my words from my mouth to my heart to my hands to my feet....
ReplyDeletethanks for stoppin' by earlier, too.
Hi, Doug. I like this conversation about happiness and our pursuit of it.
ReplyDeleteHappiness must be a reciprocal giving and receiving of various forms of love. Erring on the receiving side (or maybe to either side) throws it off and makes it more of the happiness we shouldn't be pursuing.
Not sure if they're still using the slogan, but Best Buy was promoting the latter with Me, Happier.
Thanks for stopping by recently.