In this piece, a conclusion may or may not be made; but a mere question will be formulated. For most of us, the overall goal in life is to achieve happiness; as well as, transfer happiness to others. We spend decades, and pretty much the majority of our lives, seeking happiness. Religions are formulated around this singular idea; and countries are founded around the pursuit of this one idea. But what is happiness? What is it that we seek? We endure immense pain and suffering for something we may not fully comprehend. We scratch and claw daily trying to achieve that which consistently escapes us. In this piece, we will delve down the rabbit hole of life in pursuit of happiness. In order to reach a destination, it is best to have an idea of where we are going. Per usual, we will rely on scripture and theology for navigation; while also allowing logic to take us as far as we can go.

DEPRESSION

As I am immersed in a capitalistic society, I will often consult my capitalistic understanding when trying to answer a question. With that being said, what is the popular western understanding of happiness? If we were to analyze the mass media or entertainment industry, we would quickly fall on the idea that happiness is a measure of monetary wealth. Whether that ideology is true or not, most would agree, that is the image that is portrayed through entertainment. Along with that image comes the full scope of capitalistic indoctrination; it iterates – happiness is a tasks list. That list includes education, careerism, marriage, children, and retirement; all of which are prevalent among those who are financially stable. This fact gives way to the illusion that financial stability equals mental stability, or happiness.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment – Joy; or, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.1 Though many of us cannot comprehend, or associate, substantial wealth and suicide, the fact still remains: depression is not prejudice. Countless examples of Hollywood’s depression can be given; as well as too many examples of millionaires committing suicide. Though this is a fact, it is the poor peoples of America who are often seen as unhappy. For instance, how many homeless people do you see smiling? When have you ever celebrated unemployment or debt? The glitz and glamour of celebrity is the state of happiness we seek; not the rare version that’s not on television. It is this way of thinking that teaches us, sheer will and determination will carry us to financial independence and happiness. However, a psychiatric study of 251 grandchildren, found that grandchildren with both a depressed parent and grandparent have the highest risk for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Even for children who just have depressed parents, risk of substance dependence and suicidal ideation increases by twofold. Our individual will and drive could potentially be up against a tidal wave of generational depression, but capitalism teaches us the playing field is even.

HAPPINESS, AND THE IDEA OF HEAVEN

According to Christianity, happiness is a state of being, as well as a destination – Heaven. Throughout the majority of the world’s religions, happiness is a state of being that is achieved through a process of spiritual development. Buddhists work to achieve enlightenment, or equanimity: a state of calmness. Judaic religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, all teach the process of perfecting in hopes of achieving a state of infinite peace. It seems Merriam’s definition of a state of being, as well as capitalism’s teaching of a rewarding path, are both incorporated in major religions. Or, is it western thinking that has incorporated the characteristics of the world’s most major religions for prosperity? No matter the answer, as humans we all would love to experience happiness now. Essentially every action we take reiterates that wish. We work, in hopes of achieving and sustaining happiness. As faith believers, we diligently walk our paths with intentions of eventually achieving a state of happiness. So, what is this state of being? What is Heaven, and can it be attained in this life, or only in the next? The mystification of the Kingdom of Heaven occurs thoroughly throughout the scriptures. Yet, one passage tells us directly where the kingdom is located:

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21, KJV).

Describing how significant, and rare, the Kingdom of Heaven is, Jesus repeatedly provides parables throughout his teachings:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 13:44-50).

If Heaven is happiness, a state of being, Christ not only informs us that it is immeasurable, but that its attainability is fleeting. Jesus even said that it was “… easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matt. 19:24).

In order to define happiness, we must also define the idea of Heaven. By understanding, and fathoming, the perfect state that is Heaven, it may be possible to gain a glimpse of its beauty in the now (We will not hark on our lowly understanding of its inner-workings, but merely the idea of the realm). So, let us start with one major question: What is Heaven? In its most basic form, what is it? Matthew 6:20, states that the treasures of Earth collect dust and rust, but the treasures of Heaven do not. In John 14:2, Jesus states “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Luke 23, as Christ hung on the cross, he told a fellow companion that he would dwell with him in paradise. In our minds, Heaven is everything Earth is not. Heaven is where we can be everything we are not. When we fathom Heaven, what do we imagine? Better yet, when we fathom Heaven, what don’t we imagine? No bills. No work. No oppression. No pain. No suffering. No death. No tears; only joy. Everything we wish we had in this life, we are told we will be given in the next.

Throughout the Bible, one of the most consistent characteristics of Heaven is reiterated endlessly. Heaven is where blessings rain from. The scriptures repeatedly provide examples showing that Heaven provides freedom from earthly restraints. Continuously it is shown that, “… the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). The whole purpose of Christ was to be a sacrifice and intercessor for an irredeemable man; we are now redeemed. While He was physically present, Christ healed the sick, rose the dead, fed the multitude, and provided blessings from Heaven firsthand. A realm worthy enough for a man such as this, as well as a realm worthy enough to house the God of Gods, is a realm unworthy of man. In digression, the question remains, is Heaven attainable now? In terms of its perfection, and our required perfect state for entry… no. If we could attain this perfect state of infinite happiness now, in the physical, there would be no need for Heaven. So, let us redefine our terms:

Heaven – infinitely perfect happiness.

Happiness – the general state of being once in Heaven.

In addition, it may be possible to achieve happiness in this life, but not Heaven. The general state of being once in Heaven encompasses the full breadth of Jesus’ teachings. Though we are unable to gain perfection in this life, we are able to seek perfection; in fact, we are charged to do so [Matt. 5:48]. Many misunderstand this state of perfection, however. Because we are carnal, and because western thinking perpetuates the acceptance of implied oppression, many think Christianity is a religion of works. Pioneers of America, and evangelicals of today, press the idea that works equate to faith; they point to James 2:26. However, Martin Luther said, “good works do not make a man good, but a good man does good works.” He argued that salvation came through faith alone, not by works. Obviously, his theology was so sound that it rivaled the entire Catholic religion; led to a mass exodus from Europe which ignited the pursuit of the “New World;” and created the foundation for all of Protestantism.

John Calvin stated: “man is not justified by works, yet no justified man is without works.” No matter the theologian, these types of arguments seem laborious to most because they have the belief that “works” equate to labor. However, the reality is Christianity at its basis provides an escape, or solution, to the inherent problems of man. A religion, or faith built around Christ, first and foremost stands as a pathway to receive blessings from Heaven.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

Matthew 6, teaches us our value, and to “take no thought for tomorrow” or for our lives. What we should think; what we should say; what we should wear; what we should eat; the burden of life is overall lifted by the teachings of Jesus Christ. In conjunction with those teachings, is the revelation that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Though it is inside of us, we still must find it.

HAPPINESS

We have determined that happiness is a state of being. We have accepted that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us. Though we are unable to attain a perfect state in this life, we understand that by pursuing the kingdom within us, we may receive solutions to every problem that plagues us. We also understand that Christianity is not laborious, but that its sole purpose is to lift burden; or at least the perception of it. By letting go of burden, by tapping into the burden-free calmness that is within us (the Kingdom of Heaven), we may experience happiness in this life. Romans 12:2 states:

“…be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

It is not through our works that we may find Heaven, but through our minds; through faith. Christ teaches us, and shows us firsthand, happiness is nothing more than the mere perception of burden. As we know, Jesus’ perception of burden was tested at least twice [John 11:35, Matt. 27:46]. Nevertheless, when met with challenges or the burdens of others, Jesus immediately tapped into the Kingdom of Heaven and poured out blessings. Those blessings were not primarily physical, but mind-altering; they challenged perceptions. After opening up the veil for all to see, Jesus chastises us repeatedly by saying “ye of little faith.” Our faith, our confidence, lack in belief. We struggle to see past our burdens; individually and collectively. Because we struggle to see beyond this realm, we feel the full gravity of our imperfect humanity.

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).

We were warned: do not allow the burdens of the flesh, to burden the soul. Though happiness is a perception of our burdens, it is not an absence from them. We will definitely be met with trials and tribulations as we move down our paths, but our perception is what determines freedom. As a society we have the tendency to seek an escape. Whether it be a simple habit to preoccupy the mind, or a form of substance abuse, we often try to run away from reality. The problem is however, those conditions still exist at the end of the day; and may have gotten worse. Kicking the can down the road is the worst option we can choose. The hardest, but most rewarding work, is the work on oneself.

Our happiness does not necessarily have to stem from the hopes of our eventual judgement, but it can immediately come from the Kingdom of Heaven within us. Mustard-seed sized faith is nothing more than our comprehension of reality. What seems to be a mountain is a mole hill to the right perception. What seems to be sickness is nothing more than calibration to a path. How can we know what it is to be full, without ever being hungry? How could we know joy, without ever feeling pain? This life is nothing more than an instant in time; an experience provided by God. With the wrong outlook, this experience can be excruciatingly tormenting, and laborious. Death cannot be perceived. Sickness cannot bring smiles. Hunger can go unanswered. Pain can be intensified. Through faith, and faith alone, we may repeatedly tap into the happiness provided by the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the altering of our perception, we can truly find understanding and calmness. As the universe depicts, life is a cycle of continuous birth, and continuous death. It is meant to be experienced, not avoided with mental preoccupation. What seems like burden could actually be an opportunity to find peace.

“… for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matt. 17:20).