WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS

HONESTY RESULTS IN HAPPINESS

Jehovah is "the God of truth."  (Psalm 31:5) No doubt, you desire to follow his example and be known as a truthful person. Honesty leads to self-respect and a feeling of well-being. Because dishonesty is so common in this sinful world, however, Christians need this reminder:  "Speak  truth each one of you with his neighbor . . . Let the stealers steal no more, but rather let him do hard work . .  .   that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:25, 28)  Christian employees do an honest day's work. Unless their employer gives permission, they do not take things that belong to him. Whether at work, in school, or at home, a worshiper of Jehovah must be 'honest in all things.'  (Hebrews 13:18) Anyone who makes it a practice to lie or to steal cannot have God's favor. -Deuteronomy 5:19; Revelation 21:8. 

Being honest results in many blessings. Selina is a needy African widow who loves Jehovah God and his righteous principles.  One day, she found a bag containing  a bankbook and a large sum of money. Using a telephone directory, she was able to find the owner-a storekeeper who had been robbed.  The man could not believe his eyes when Selina, though quite sick, visited him and returned the full contents of the bag.  "Such honesty must be rewarded," he said and handed her a sum of money. More important, this man praised Selina's religion. Yes, honest deeds adorn Bible teaching, glorify Jehovah God, and bring happiness to his honest worshipers. -Titus 2;10; 1 Peter 2:12. 

GENEROSITY BRINGS HAPPINESS

There is happiness in being generous, whereas greedy persons will not "inherit God's Kingdom."  (1 Corinthians 6:10)  A common form of greed is gambling, which is an attempt to make money through the losses of others. Jehovah does not approve of those who are "greedy of dishonest gain." (1 Timothy 3:8)  Even where gambling is legal a person gambles for fun, he could become addicted and be promoting a practice that has ruined many lives. Gambling often brings hardship to the gambler's family who may be left with little money to buy such necessities as food and clothing. - 1 Timothy 6:10.

Because of their loving generosity, Christians find joy in assisting others, especially needy fellow believers.  (James 2:15, 16)   Before Jesus came to earth, he observed  God's generosity toward mankind.  (Acts 14:16, 17)  Jesus  himself gave his time, his talents, and even his life in behalf of humankind.  Hence, he was well qualified to say:  "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (Acts 20:35) Jesus also spoke well of the poor widow who generously put two small coins in the temple treasure chest, for she gave "her whole living."  (Mark 12:41-44)  The ancient Israelites and the first-century  Christians provide examples of joyful generosity in giving material support to the congregation and the Kingdom work.  (1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 9:11-14)  In addition to making material contributions for these purposes, present-day Christians  happily offer praise to God and use their lives in his service.  (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15)  Jehovah blesses them for using their time, energy,m and other resources, including their funds, to support true worship and promote the worldwide work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Proverbs 3:9, 10. 

Next time: WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS/OTHER FACTORS PROMOTING HAPPINESS 

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life