There are numerous ways to pursue happiness in this world. Some individuals seek entertainment and joy through expensive holiday trips. Laughter is often regarded as the ultimate emotion, providing the satisfaction we desire. In contrast, crying—especially due to the loss of a loved one—is the antithesis of laughter. The purpose of life is to attain the desired happiness, rather than encounter devastating experiences.
Many chase sexual ecstasy and relationships can suffer when these desires are unmet. Additionally, wealth accumulation and the ability to afford luxurious possessions are often thought to lead to happiness. However, a sense of emptiness can linger, as these pursuits are not always attainable for various reasons. Suspicions may also build, unnecessarily causing suffering and devastating experiences for those concerned.
In some cases, individuals may achieve their desired goals. Yet, unforeseen disappointments can arise, over time, such as accidents or divorce. A person might be joyous today but face significant misfortunes that strip away that happiness. Another common source of unhappiness is the uncertainty that the future may hold. No one can guarantee that life will remain comfortable forever. A person could face hardships due to political upheaval or unexpected natural disasters like hurricanes.
Positions of authority, whether in government or entrepreneurial organizations, are often highly coveted. However, the underlying source of unhappiness stems from the constant fear of losing such privileges. Unexpected events may arise that could lead to the loss of these cherished conditions, turning an individual into a subject of ridicule. While a person might possess the resilience to confront challenges, the harsh realities of life present irreversible threats. For example, no one can avoid the risks posed by sudden illness or the effects of ageing—yet these challenges come regardless of our preferences.
There are a few anecdotal highlights of happiness experienced by some people in various ways. I’ve observed happiness among affluent individuals but also witnessed extreme unhappiness among the same group. Interestingly, happiness can be found among those living in abject poverty, often with fewer sources of unhappiness. This contrast makes life a mystery yet to be unravelled. How can joy and happiness be achieved, allowing individuals to feel that their lives have been meaningful throughout their physical existence?
South Africa carries a history marked by the unfortunate experiences of apartheid, introduced by the Boers in the 1940s. The impact of apartheid still haunts those who consider themselves victims. However, if South Africa has ever been recognized with world acclaim, it was due to the musical talents that emerged from that part of the world. This was during the apartheid era. South Africa became a jewel, unmatched by any other part of the world, due to its irresistible musical talent. Those lamenting apartheid may not be aware of how some people envied the musical texture emerging from apartheid South Africa. Apartheid could not defeat the talents of individuals like Joseph Tshabalala of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo, for instance.
South Africa gained independence in 1994 and officially abolished apartheid, with the aim for all South Africans to live as one nation, regardless of skin colour. Recent political tensions have, however, raised concerns about sustaining stability in that country. Xenophobic incidents and a rising number of domestic violence cases continue to hinder the pursuit of happiness for many. People of all races seek happiness, yet it seems elusive. What can be done to achieve this elusive happiness?
A cursory review of the causes of happiness suggests that comedians are the happiest people in this world. Presumably, if all the people of this world were to be reduced to being comedians, everything would fall into place. This is when considering that every human being seeks to be happy, anyway. The magic about comedy is the adherence to the principle of making others happy. There is no other way of attaining happiness, in this world, except by making those around us, happy. Comedians seem to achieve that role, with ease.
Some people dismiss comedians as individuals who should not be taken seriously. However, the more one takes life seriously, the more one fails to achieve the desired happiness. This is why I regard comedians as the happiest people in the world. A person can spend their life worrying about future concerns, only to die without resolving them. Those who address problems as they arise today are better off than those attempting to solve future issues in the hope of finding happiness.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV).
I am enjoying a wonderful time with my grandchildren in my twilight years. The little ones, even in their naughty behaviour, provide me with uncontrollable ecstatic experiences, which I could not experience with my own children. I failed to experience sufficient joy with my children because I spent most of my working life worrying about income. The laughter that comes from trying to answer questions posed by these little angels is most thrilling.
The pertinent question is whether it is necessary to pursue happiness. The only unhappy people are those who spend most of their lives chasing happiness. The truth is that it is impossible to achieve happiness when one is currently unhappy. Happiness is a state of mind that can be experienced by anyone at any time. As mentioned earlier, happiness can be found among the wealthy, just as it can also be found among the impoverished. The apostles rejoiced even after receiving lashes from the Sanhedrin leaders (Acts 5:41). This suggests that it is possible to remain happy, even when being persecuted for doing what is right.
The wisest individuals are those who have learned to find happiness even in the face of adversity. Conversely, those who assume they will achieve happiness, someday, are often mistaken. A prime example is the situation in Zimbabwe. Many lives were lost in the pursuit of our country’s liberation. How many people are truly happy after gaining independence in 1980? Some may point to known corrupt individuals who have amassed wealth and are presumed to be happy. However, criminals can’t attain genuine happiness as long as they remain not convicted for their nefarious deeds. They may appear happy on the outside, but inwardly, they signify unhappy individuals.
The primary reason people engage in corrupt activities is to attain elusive happiness. However, burdened with the guilt of living a corrupt life, they become unhappy. The most unfortunate ones die without having had a chance to change. Aware that their lives are not pleasing to God, they are reduced to unhappiness. Throughout the ages, there have been people in this condition. Among those in Jesus’ time was Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector.
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1-10 NKJV)
Ordinary people may have envied Zacchaeus, considering what he may have been making out of corruption in his tax-collecting activities. However, his desire to have a glimpse of Jesus shows him as an inwardly empty man. Therefore, judging people by what we see from the outside cannot be fair, as no one knows what goes on in their inner feelings. Zacchaeus was unhappy even though he may have made money from tax collection.
The trap of monetary desires can be incredibly detrimental to humanity. Some people believe that accumulating wealth will bring them happiness, only to discover that the opposite is often true. A person can have a significant amount of money yet remain unhappy due to the uncertainties of life. However, those with the privilege of financial resources have the opportunity to make a positive impact by using their wealth to support noble causes. Jesus taught that it is unwise to assume that accumulating money leads to true wisdom or fulfilment.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:19-24 NKJV).
The key point to remember is that the teachings of Jesus are always relevant and effective. Ignoring these teachings can lead to negative consequences. While everyone seeks happiness, many do so, in misguided ways—often resulting in unfavourable outcomes. Most of the problems we encounter are self-created. Pursuing temporary happiness can lead to worse situations rather than the desired results. Seeking happiness is not inherently wrong; however, it becomes problematic when pursued solely for selfish interests. True happiness can only be achieved by serving the interests of others.
The principle also applies to marital relationships. Some individuals incur debt to please their spouses, who may only seek intimacy. Often, a partner might merely need a smile and good communication, yet the other may resort to purchasing expensive gifts, mistakenly believing this will earn their love. True happiness arises from providing the other person with what they truly desire, rather than focusing solely on personal wants. It is essential to prioritize one’s partner’s needs. Neglecting them while indulging in one’s own, cannot lead to a happy marriage. Genuine happiness can only be achieved when both partners feel satisfied.
Happiness is found by pursuing Godly principles rather than indulging in fleeting desires. Zacchaeus ultimately discovered that money could not bring true happiness, so he earnestly sought Jesus, which led him to find joy. Giving in to carnal interests reveals a lack of understanding of one’s true identity. One cannot achieve happiness by pretending to be someone else. It is essential to embrace who you are, first, to fulfil the purpose God intended for you. For instance, if you were meant to be a driver, you should not pursue a career in medicine simply because you envy those in that profession, and vice versa.
The essence of the matter is that true happiness is sustained by love, which is expressed through fulfilling the interests of others. This situation becomes delicate because the interests of others could lead to their own downfall. For example, Jesus was crucified while attempting to guide those who opposed His teachings toward what was good for them. He could have chosen to cater to their interests or avoided conflict altogether to serve His own interests. However, that would have condemned those who were unaware of the path to true happiness. For Jesus, it is preferable for a person to consciously choose hell than for someone to end up there due to ignorance.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:1-10 NKJV).
When practised according to Jesus’ teachings, Christianity leads to true happiness, even in the face of persecution or death. This is because genuine happiness comes from the spirit rather than induced by the physical body, which ultimately returns to the grave. While there is no happiness in the grave, true joy remains with the spiritual person. To achieve happiness, one must fulfil the purpose for which one was created. Jesus exemplified this, comedians often bring joy to others, and children naturally express happiness before societal influences lead them astray.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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