New Reminders: Happiness is Not a Virtue
by Ardith Hoff
A simple definition of the word virtue is: “doing what is right and avoid doing what is wrong.” A virtuous person is one who has a strong moral compass and sets and lives by very high ethical and moral standards. Such a person might be described as good, kind, honest, decent, honorable, just and principled. Aspiring to live up to one’s highest ideals is considered a virtuous attitude. It is, in fact, what we as Christians should all aspire to. Happiness, on the other hand, is an emotional response to a particular circumstance. It is also worth aspiring to, but in and of itself, happiness is not a virtuous endeavor. It is a byproduct of doing the right things. The Bible encourages us to pursue happiness, as did our country’s founders. The Bible specifically urges us to achieve happiness through virtuous means.
The Bible encourages believers to practice virtues like love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are often referred to as the "fruits of the Spirit". Virtue, in a biblical sense, is not just about avoiding vice, but actively striving for goodness and aligning one's life with God's will. Several Bible verses highlight the importance of self-control as a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit. Key verses include Proverbs 25:28: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” which compares a person without self-control to a city without walls. Galatians 5:22-23, also lists self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Other verses emphasize self-control in the context of temptation, discipline, and relationships.
In his book The Pursuit of Happiness, Jeffrey Rosen explores the American Founders' understanding of happiness as a quest for virtue and self-mastery, not mere pleasure. He argues that the pursuit of happiness, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, was deeply influenced by classical philosophers who emphasized virtues like industry, temperance, moderation, and sincerity. Rosen examines how these virtues were central to the Founders' vision of both personal self-governance and the success of the new nation. Rosen connects the founders' ideas to contemporary society, suggesting that rediscovering the importance of virtue and self-mastery could address modern challenges related to social media and American’s excessive focus on pleasure. Pleasure, like happiness is a gift from God, but both are fleeting experiences. Contentment, on the other hand, is an attitude, a state of mind that can have long lasting effects. Happiness is a reaction, whereas contentment is a lasting calmness, a peaceful way of life that stays with you.
The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote: “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content––whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:12-13. The secret to contentment isn't just being satisfied, it's a relationship with God. The measure to which we have contentment, is the measure to which we are able to cope with any circumstance. Paul was not happy to be in prison, but he was content because he knew that, with God, anything is possible. Paul demonstrated that by making a deliberate decision to be content, a believer can trust God to provide our true needs. Paul had learned this through his many trials during his ministry experiences. We too can maintain an attitude of contentment and expect moments of great joy and happiness, if we trust God to give us the strength to handle any circumstance we might face. Happiness and contentment are closely related to having done the right things.
Being thankful for what we have and learning what to value is the hallmark of both happiness and contentment. If we value faith, family, friendship and fulfillment over funds, fame, and fun, our motivation is not for more money or popularity, but for the things that bring us lasting peace and true contentment. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with having the security of a good income but, it is to emphasize that having enough and sharing what we have is more fulfilling than having an excess and selfishly wanting more. Selfish ambitions for money or fame will not fill the hole in our souls. The security that money can bring is empty compared to the security of knowing that no matter what our circumstances, we have the security of knowing that God is with us and his love and mercy will sustain us and that when our time on earth is done, we have a guarantee that our sins are forgiven and we have an eternal home to rely on.
While we cannot earn that security by good works, we can have the contentment of knowing that by following God’s will, we have made our life on earth count for something and made life for others more fulfilling as well. Titus 2:12 is “instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” This means to live in a way that is controlled by God's will and not by worldly desires and is the most assured path to a fulfilling and contented life. Striving to do God’s will is the best pathway to achieving moments of great happiness and a contented life.