There are some truths that are self evident, as the Declaration of Independence declares – that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The truth and wisdom in common sayings and proverbs are also often self-evident. What goes up must come down. What goes around comes around. Blood is thicker than water. A fool and his money are soon parted. A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.
Jesus’ sayings are also often self evident. Like, No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old coat. Or, Do not put new wine into old wine skins. Or, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But many of his words are also hard and difficult to accept. Like, Turn the other cheek. Or, Take up your cross daily. Or, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. And the most difficult one of them all, Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.
Given some serious thought, we indeed realize that love is the only way we can live our lives fully and meaningfully. Anything devoid of love is destructive of our humanity and of the life we treasure. Love is among the self-evident truths of life. But people find it difficult to practice because of the hardness and the selfishness in our hearts. Left to our own devices, we would destroy everything and everyone precious to us. Just take a good look at what is happening in the world today. This is the reason why we need a Redeemer, a Savior who would show us the way.
“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wine skins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wine skins, and so both are preserved.”
Matthew 9:14-17
I don’t believe regarding the pursuit of our happiness as an inalienable right is Biblical. But it depends on the context. John Piper would say it is our DUTY to pursue this happiness…in CHRIST. (Not what the founding fathers had in mind.) Because it is in Him we have our sonship and can claim all the joys of heaven.
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I think the Bible is replete with God’s wanting happiness for us. Augustine saw in our restlessness (or unhappiness) a deep longing for God. He said: “Our hearts are restless, Oh Lord, until they rest in thee.” About our seeking for happiness, I call to mind Christ’s words: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will these things will be added unto you.” And also “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Yep, I know the quote. Totally with you.