What are some of the ways people use to try and be happy? Money, power, houses, clothes, cars, friends and the list goes on. But how many can really claim to be happy even after attaining some of these things they thought could bring happiness?
Ask the celebrities, the millionaires, the royals if they are happy! They may seem to be happy but are they?
Well, if the keys to happiness were easy to have, everyone in the world would be happy. Unfortunately, many despise the only keys that would open the doors to a life of happiness and satisfaction.
The 8 keys we are going to look at are not a new discovery. They were put forward by the greatest teacher in history, many years ago. They are still valid to date.
Happy are those who hear, understand and apply them in their lives.
Key #1: Realize The Need For A Power Beyond Them
We have to admit there is a higher power at work in the universe. They must be a Creator who is closely watching his creation. Happy are those who realize they cannot go through life without depending on their Creator. God made us, he knows what can make us happy. Those who come close to Him, he will come close to.[1]
Key #2: Welcome Hard Times
Many people run away from trials, hard times, suffering yet such seasons are very precious. Tell me someone who made great accomplishments without ever going through any hard time! It's in trials we discover ourselves and the best in us is able to manifest. We can always learn something from every pain.
Hard times make you strong and complete.[2] They are stepping stones or building blocks to your destiny. And remember that they are seasons, they pass. The light always appears, the morning always comes.
Key #3: Do Not Show Off
Those who will be happy have no need to show off what they are or have. They have nothing to prove. They are happily reconciled to their lives. They know they have the power or the reasons to be above others, but they chose the path of humility. And because they are humble, somehow they are lifted up.[3]
Key #4: Fight For The Rights Of Others
No one can truly be happy without serving his fellow man. The way to be happy is to make someone happy. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Bring justice to the widows and orphans. Rescue those who are falsely accused. Assist the poor and the foreigner. If there is any way you can help another, by all means do it. [4]
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One my favourite quotes that changed my life says, " I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Key #5: Do Not Treat Others As They Deserve
Many believe that every wrong must be paid for. That someone who wrongs you should never be left to go free. Well, the happy know and show mercy. They know that if they had been treated as they deserved, they would not have survived. So they do not pay back evil with evil, but evil with good. They help their enemies. [5] They understand that when you give mercy, you shall receive mercy. [6]
Key #6: Do Not Soil Their Conscience
The happy know that all battles are either won or lost in the mind. They guard their hearts and minds from impurities. They refuse to do anything that will leave them guilty. They think good thoughts and plan good deeds. They love to meditate on the words of the Bible because they know its inspired words have life and will cleanse their minds and hearts. They do their best to live by what they know is right. Their conscience is clear. [7]
Key #7: Work For Peace
The happy go beyond attaining their personal peace to working for peace in their homes, workplaces, community, nation and the world. They do their best to live in harmony with others. [8]
Key #8: Are Willing To Suffer For Doing The Right Things
When they are challenged or persecuted for doing good, the happiness will not be shaken. In fact, persecution for doing the right is a badge of compliment and the mark of credential that they are fighting for a cause worth dying for. Martin Luther, Jr said, "You've not begun living until you've found something you can die for."
The above keys to happiness may have been missed or ignored by many but they are the only keys. They are famously known as the Beatitudes taught by Jesus Christ.
I hope your search for happiness ends here. Let's begin applying these keys in our daily lives. Only then shall we be happy and have a satisfying life.
