Happiness
215
unhappy; for in no other way can happiness come. God desires men
and women to live the higher life. He gives them the boon of life,
not to enable them merely to gain wealth, but to improve their higher
powers by doing the work He has entrusted to mankind—the work of
searching out and relieving the necessities of their fellowmen. Man
should work not for his own selfish interest but for the interest of every
one about him, blessing others by his influence and kindly deeds. This
purpose of God is exemplified in Christ’s life.—MS 132, 1902. (
My
Life Today, 165
.)
Happiness in Doing—It matters not what our position may be
or how limited our capacities, we have a work to do for the Master.
Our graces are developed and matured by exercise. With the truth
of God burning in the soul, we cannot be idle. The happiness we
shall experience in doing will compensate even in this life for every
effort. Those only who have experienced happiness resulting from
self-denying effort in the service of Christ can speak of the matter
understandingly. It is indeed joy so pure, so deep, that language cannot
express it.—Lt 9. 1873. (HC 186.)
Our Happiness the Happiness of Others—Christ makes His
church a beautiful temple for God. “Where two or three are gath-
ered together in My name,” He declared, “there am I in the midst of
them” (
Matthew 18:20
). His church is the court of holy life, filled with
varied gifts, and endowed with the Holy Spirit. Appropriate duties are
assigned by Heaven to each member of the church on earth, and all
are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help
and bless.—
The Signs of the Times, March 1, 1910
. (HC 164.)
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Benefits the Whole System—If the mind is free and happy, from
a consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of satisfaction in causing
happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the
whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning
up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healing power, and
those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous
blessing in both heart and life.—
Christian Temperance and Bible
Hygiene, 3, 1890
. (
My Life Today, 150
.)
Those who follow the path of wisdom and holiness will not be
troubled with vain regrets over misspent hours, neither will they be
troubled with gloom or horror of mind, as some are, unless engaged in