Blessedness vs. Happiness
James Houston
‘Happiness’ is a rather shallow term for what should be, for the Christian, ‘blessedness’.
Blessedness and Happiness: Is there a Difference?
Happiness has to do with the social world of humanity—the kind of thing that enables the Tibetans to measure the flourishing of their citizens not by the GNP but the GNH: Gross National Happiness, or Bhutan Happiness Index. Happiness, in our culture, is a sense of well-being, a sense of being at peace with each other. It’s the efficacy of socialization. Is the blessedness that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessedness is far richer and deeper, because blessedness means that I am blessed as I’m being transformed by the way of life that the Beatitudes define. And when we read the Beatitudes, we have much more a series of indicators of what is truly a blessed life.
We, all of us, can have unhappiness and suffering, living in a sinful world, but blessedness is transcendent. It speaks of another kingdom. It speaks of another realm. It speaks of the heavenly life.
— JAMES HOUSTON, November 2013
To see Dr. Houston chat about this issue in person, click here.
