What truly makes us happy? There are all kinds of studies of happiness and there are many new books about happiness. What does it mean to be happy? Are you happy?
In the book, Black Girl, White Girl, Joyce Carol Oates comments, “Between happiness and duty, I choose duty.” [p. 268] I choose duty. Does that mean that you can’t be happy? Is it one or the other?
Frankly, I think of duty as obligation, as doing what is right. Fulfilling expectations and responsibilities. Duty is something that we do for others, typically, not ourselves. Duty is holding up our end of a relationship.
In Christianity we teach that our highest good is found in service. We celebrate our call to serve others, to live compassion and generosity. The life of Jesus is a study in helping others, living for others, and serving others. That is our calling.
When we think about happiness and duty, I am wondering if we can be happy if we are not fulfilling our duty? When I am neglecting my duty, am I happy? Or am I haunted by regret? I think as Christians we must fulfill our duty to be happy. It is not either/or. It is if/then. If we are fulfilling our duty then we will be happy. Thus we will also fulfill our duty to be happy in Christ Jesus. So, choose happiness. Fulfill your duty.
Prayer: We pray that we would fulfill our duty as Christians; our duty to serve, to give, to love, to forgive. When we pursue this other-centered living, we find our highest good. We experience happiness. May we allow our faith to make us truly happy. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 