Life, Liberty, and the Pusuit of Happiness: A Biblical Worldview Apologetic

How do we find happiness?

The bible says that God has put eternity in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11b). Many refer to this as the God-shaped hole, meaning that only something that is eternal can satiate an eternal longing. Drugs can't do it. Women can't do it. Not even family or friends can do it. One will never hear an alcoholic say, "That's it! That drink was the one; I've now had enough!" Nothing can fill that longing but God. This is why every person asks himself three questions while on this planet.

Origin--How did we get here?
It's because of this eternal longing that every person asks himself three questions while on this planet in an effort to find contentment and happiness. I call it OPD, or origin, purpose, and destiny. The first question asked is where did we come from and how did we get here? A secular worldview teaches that we are nothing more than an accident. We are the product of millions of years and warm pond scum. Men try to rationalize this view because it releases them (they believe) from the subjugation of an ever-present, all-seeing God, and puts themselves in the position of the demigod. No matter the rationale, this notion is depressing. As Christians we take this one for granted, but many languish in misery because they cannot move past this question.

Purpose--Why am I here?
The second eternal question is, "why am I here," or, "What's my purpose?" Sadly those stuck on origins never get to this question. Logically, the only conclusion they can draw for a purpose based on this worldview is to get as much as they can while they can because this is all there is. God put eternity in the hearts of man because man's purpose is to fear and worship him. The bible says that happiness begins at fearing the Lord (Psalm 128). In other words, happiness begins when we submit to the Lord in worship and praise. Our purpose is to serve him.

Destiny--What happens to me when I die?
The last question is, "Where am I going," or "what happens to me when I die?" Sadly many practitioners of world religions, who seek God through works, get past the first question of origins but get bogged down in purpose. The never feel secure in their destination. Jesus said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven" (Luke 6:23). Those who hold a Christian worldview can rejoice knowing that their salvation was obtained solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ. We did nothing to earn salvation, and neither can we do anything to lose it.

How do we find wholeness?
If one holds a biblical worldview, wholeness is found by restoration into the image of God. Jesus said that He and the Father are One, and that those who saw him saw the Father (John 9-14). We can not make ourselves like Jesus. This is done by the Holy Spirit as we are sanctified eventually to glorification in heaven. Being biblically whole is to be in a right relationship with God by confessing Jesus as Lord and savior and submitting to the Holy Spirit Who finishes the good work started in us.

A secular worldview holds a much different view. Sadly, those who never answer the OPD questions spend life seeking happiness from the external. They seek meaning in worldly things like saving the planet, or social movements. These things are good, but they never fill the God shaped hole.

What goals are really worthy of pursuing?
For those with a biblical world view, our goals are Christ's goals. We are to grow closer to Him through discipleship, and to make new disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and casting out demons were all just a means to bring people into a right relationship with God.

Those with a secular worldview believe that life is the pursuit of external happiness. Often this causes a false understanding of God. They often ask, "If God is so good, why is there suffering in this world?" They ask this because they see life as the pursuit of external happiness rather than a relationship with their Creator. If one's purpose is seeking the Lord, then he often learns and grows in times of suffering.

What is life "for"?
Plain and simple, life is about filling the God shaped whole in our hearts. It is for satiating the eternal longing in our hearts with the presence of the Eternal God. In short, our life is for His great pleasure, and we are designed to bring glory and happiness to Him; not the other way around. Amen!