When people in America are asked in polls what they want in life, the number one answer is “happiness.” But only a third of Americans say in polls that they are really happy in life.

The problem, Jesus says, is not simply that people are looking for happiness in the wrong places. It is that they make “happiness” the goal in the first place.

In contrast to the cultural mandate to “be happy,” Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Jesus calls us to turn away from the quest after personal happiness and to focus our life instead upon devotion to God and service for others. But paradoxically, he says, “Those who lose their life, for my sake and the gospel’s, will find life.” (Mark 8:35) It is as we join in God’s purposes that we find genuine life.

It is as we join in God’s purposes that we find genuine life. Share on X

So, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) As we follow Jesus in discipleship and dedication to God’s kingdom, we will share in the fullness of life and the true bounty of God’s grace.

Sunday’s Scripture Reading:
Mark 8:34–35

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.