Happiness and Joy

"Christianity without the tears- that's what soma is."
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley

Sometimes people can portray Christianity as this magic formula for happiness. Complete and utter revelry will come about when someone will join the faith. This is not entirely true. There will be joy and abundance of it, but happiness won't exactly be there in force. Happiness comes about through circumstances. Making that red light, nailing a three point shot or gazing at a magnificent sunrise are all pretenses of happiness. Joy, on the other hand, is like a deep river or a sturdy Oak tree. It is the foundation and an complete realization that God is with you. Joy is a strong foundation, happiness is like seasonal rain, refreshing but fickle.

Soma is a drug created in "Brave New World" that altered humanity's senses and gave them a mental vacation. Whenever a person was stressed or agitated, take some soma and things will be better. Dull the senses and release all anxiety!

Christ outlined the fact that the road unto heaven is decidedly perilous and narrow. Jagged rocks will be there to greet the most ambitious adventurer. "Take up your cross and follow me." If Christianity is the guaranteed happiness maker, than people need to look into further. People are beaten, mocked, scorned and harassed by evil constantly. The enemy seeks to crush the Christian, that is why the "armor of God" is needed. It is a brutal war, an epic that has been playing out for millenniums. The tale will end one day, where sheer joy and happiness will not be temporal. Evil will be bound and a new saga will begin- a saga of goodness.

Christianity is exceedingly tough. In a world full of bitter pain and hatred, we pilgrims must travel on, leading others unto the light. Like all great epics, there are rewards for the faithful. Peace will prevail. All of our hearts yearnings and desires will be met and exceeded. But until that day, that day when the destroyer will be crushed, we will have to journey and be mindful of the burdens of faith. That burden (by God's good graces) is light and will be bearable through Christ's death.

If you're looking for a quick fix, try soma. If you are looking for fulfillment, try the bread of life.