HOLINESS BRINGS HAPPINESS


The Germans have a saying: “Germans want their children to be skilled. The Japanese want their children to be educated. Americans want their children to be happy.” There may be some insight into our culture’s values with that comment. As Christians God wants us to be happy, right? If we’re happy and comfortable then it is easier to be holy, right? Years ago, around 1982, I was at my parents’ home in Norfolk, VA for a summer vacation. On a hot, humid July day my father asked for my assistance in putting in a new kitchen sink for my mother. My father was a “my way or the highway” retired Navy type of guy. I agreed so we began the task. After turning off the water to the house we removed all the plumbing pipes and finally removed the old sink. It was hot, sweaty work in that cramped kitchen space. As we put the new sink in and started attaching the hardware, I asked my dad: “Let’s turn the water back on before we attach the rest of the plumbing to ensure we won’t have a leak at the first joint.” My dad said, “No”, ignoring my suggestion. So we installed everything in about two hours. The moment of truth had arrived! The water was turned on and guess what? It leaked right at the first joint! All the hardware we just installed would have to be removed and we would have to start the process all over again. I was not only hot on the outside; I was hot on the inside. He should have listened to me! I was going to leave the house and go to the beach. Let him do this job if he’s so smart. Then the real moment of truth occurred. I heard a quiet voice say to me: “Honor your father and mother. (Exodus 20) “God – I tried but You saw what happened here.” But the quiet voice repeated the same message. With a reluctant attitude, I obeyed the command from Scripture. After almost four hours we finished the job. My mother had her new sink. I then went into the living room and laid down on the couch. I was exhausted by this inner, spiritual battle. At this moment I experienced a deep joy and happiness. It felt like every part of my body was in deep, joyful celebration. I have never felt this level of ecstasy before or since this July day! Why do I feel this happy? I’ve just had a miserable afternoon! A verse from Proverbs 28:19 came to my mind. Most of us know the first part of the verse but not the last part: Where there is no vision the people perish. But he that keepeth the Law, happy is he. This conclusion is subjective but I felt God whispering to me: “Leon, it is your responsibility to obey Me. It is my responsibility to make you happy.” Holiness brings happiness – not the other way around! Happiness is self-centered. Holiness is God-centered. By: Leon Alderman

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