Sermon By: Lillian Tran “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy…”
“It is the very pursuit of happiness that thwarts happiness“ – Viktor Frankl
Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Imma do just what I want lookin’ ahead no turnin’ back if I fall if I die know I lived it to the fullest if I fall if I die know I lived and missed some bullets [CHORUS] I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be good.
YOLO
There’s More to Life than Being Happy… More = life of meaning and joy
Viktor Frankl Prominent Jewish psychiatrist and neurologist in Vienna during WWII Wrote Man’s Search for Meaning about his experience in Nazi concentration camp (where his pregnant wife and parents were killed)
Jacques de Vaucanson’s Mechanical Duck
What is the meaning of life?
God has a purpose for you. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. Acts 26:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
God has a purpose for you. God created us for a specific purpose. God has a huge, complex plan that we don’t fully understand but are apart of.
Story Time!
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing...the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Viktor Frankl
Knowing we have a purpose, helps us to overcome hardship and pain.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he hears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how."
Knowing that our life has meaning, and meaning is more important than happiness makes us learn three things: 1. emphasis on meaning 2. the value of suffering 3. responsibility to something greater than the self
"In American culture, one is commanded and ordered 'to be happy.' but happiness cannot be pursued, it must ensue. One must have a reason to 'be happy.'
Recap: The Historical Jesus Why did God send Jesus to Earth? 1. To be an example for how humans should live their lives. 2. To show that our God cares about how we treat other people. 3. To be a sacrifice in life and death. (Hebrews 10:11-14)
Jesus – a sacrifice And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:11-14
God calls us to be a sacrifice too. (In our own ways) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
The difference between happiness, joy and meaning
Joy vs. Happiness Happiness – an emotion/feeling, temporary, achieved through things and people Joy – state of being/mind, lasting fulfillment, satisfaction and peace with one’s own life and circumstances, achieved through knowing God and understanding His plans for you Joy is lasting, because God is the only thing that is everlasting.
Joy So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22 Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
Meaningful Life vs. Happy Life Happy life Being a “Taker” Getting what I want, feeling good Meaningful life Being a “Giver” Transcends myself, receiving joy from giving to others For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 "Partly what we do as human beings is to take care of others and contribute to others. This makes life meaningful, but it does not necessarily make us happy"
Happiness vs. Meaning Happiness – felt in here and now, fades away, avoiding negative events as much as possible (that being number #1 purpose) yet still not being satisfied with life Taking love, friendship, money, awards, material things Meaning – connects past, present and future (with a focus on past and future); our actions have affect on bigger picture, learning from negative events still being satisfied with life Giving our talents, love, care to God & other people
"If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering" - Frankl
“…Honor your father and your mother…” Frankl makes almost impossible decision to put aside individual career and life pursuits and suffer through concentration camps with his parents
"Being human always points, and is directed, to something or someone, other than oneself - be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter. The more one forgets himself - by giving himself to a cause to serve of another person to love - the more human he is.“ –Viktor Frankl
There’s more to Life than being happy…. Jesus Viktor Frankl Martin Luther King, Jr. *Our purpose will be on a smaller scale, but will be JUST AS IMPORTANT.*
Summary What this lesson is NOT ABOUT: Becoming depressed and emo Never being happy again What this lesson IS ABOUT: Seeking a deeper existence APPRECIATING LIFE and seeing the depth, beauty and complexity of God’s Creation.
Summary Seek a life of meaning and joy, rather than a life of happiness. Why? 1. God created me in order to serve my purpose in His kingdom. 2. Knowing I have purpose gives me strength and resilience in times of pain and suffering. 3. Giving, rather than receiving, will give me everlasting joy, rather than temporary happiness.