4 Rules for a Happy Life

I believe that the most sincere thing we can desire for someone else is their happiness. We believe, and rightly so, that whether rich or poor, healthy or sick – happiness is the most important commodity that we possess. I'd like to share with you four basic rules that will contribute to your lifetime happiness if you put them into practice on a regular basis.

1. Live the "Spiritual" Life

Keep your priorities in order understanding that living according to the "pleasure" principle is eventually self-defeating. If you work at making the doing of God's will in your everyday life the priority objective, you will have your priorities straight and will build on sound judgment.

2. Live One Day at a Time

People ruin whatever happiness they have in their day by squandering their energy on tomorrow's problems. God has promised that He will supply exactly what we need – one day at a time; so enjoy the happiness you have today and don't waste it on worry for tomorrow. Also, remember that few of our fears, if any, ever materialize.

3. Do Not Violate Your Conscience

Doing wrong always hurts us. No matter how small, no matter what others say, no matter what reasoning or lack of reasoning we use to permit ourselves to do wrong – when we sin we hurt our conscience and a hurt conscience hurts! Keep your account with the Father at zero. Go to Him in prayer each day to deal with your hurt conscience. Lie down at night with a clear conscience and you'll be happy – there's no happiness without peace of mind.

4. Purge Your Life of Past Failure

Nothing destroys the joy of a moment like guilt from the past. Whatever it is – lying, cheating, divorce, violence, cowardice, etc – remember that God has forgiven you and along with that forgiveness is the right to be happy again. The prodigal son had wasted his dad's money, his life, his faith and yet when he returned the father gave him back his position, his wealth and the right to be happy again by throwing a big feast in his honor. With forgiveness comes the right to smile again.

If you're a Christian, remember to maintain the happiness you have in Christ by:

• Living in the Spirit not the flesh
• Live life one day at a time
• Don't violate your peace of mind with foolish sin and worldliness
• Don't allow the past to ruin the present or frighten you for the future – your past is gone, nailed to the cross on Golgotha – leave it there!

If you're not a Christian then the only way to true happiness is to become a child of God through faith, repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus.