Devotional/Commentary
Twelve Simple Rules For Happiness
Happiness is a goal we all constantly seek, but there are many differing opinions about how it is achieved. Some believe happiness comes from fame and fortune; others have learned through experience that what they thought would bring the greatest joy actually resulted in sorrow. A philosopher once wisely observed that it is difficult to be happier than other people, “for we believe others to be happier than they are.”
Indeed, happiness is not always easy to find because we look for it outside ourselves, when in reality it comes from within.
There are many formulas for happiness, but today we cite 12 simple rules which, if followed faithfully, will result in sound, secure, joyous living:
1. First, live a simple life. Be temperate in your habits and avoid selfishness.
2. Spend less than you earn. Avoid extravagance and keep out of debt. It may be difficult, but it pays big dividends.
3. Think constructively. Train yourself to think clear, accurate, useful thoughts. Avoid unwholesome ideas.
4. Try to see the other person’s point of view, and resist the tendency to want things your own way.
5. Be grateful-- glad for the privilege of life and work.
6. Rule your moods, don’t let them rule you. Remember, a lifetime of unhappiness can be caused by a moment of emotional instability.
7. Next, give generously. There is no greater joy in life than to bring happiness to others.
8. Be interested in other people.
9. Work with righteous, honest motives. No one who does wrong is ever really happy.
10. Live one day at a time. Concentrate on the immediate task and avoid attempting too much at one time.
11. Develop a hobby or some means of diversion and relaxation.
12. Finally and most important, keep close to God. It will do more to bring happiness than any other single endeavor. And God, in turn, will help keep you close to all other attributes of happiness. It was Christ Himself who, after giving His guideposts for living, said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
--author annonymous
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