Lift up your eyes
One of the inalienable rights proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence is the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is in search of happiness, but many do not know how to be happy. Yet happiness is something anyone may achieve. Somewhere I ran across the following set of rules, guides for those seeking happiness. I commend them for your consideration.
1. Think more about others and less about yourself. What you do to make others happy will come back to you in a full measure of joy.
2. Live simply and be yourself. Trying to be what you are not does nothing but complicate your life. Be temperate in all things.
3. Think clear, clean thoughts, pushing from your mind all jealous and envious feelings.
4. Avoid being a spendthrift. Live within your means and save something for “rainy days.” Do not indulge in things you do not need.
5. Cultivate an open mind. Listen to the point of view of others and consider it. But when a moral issue is involved, be firm in your conviction.
6. Guard against moodiness at all costs. Do not allow yourself to be grumpy and down because things go wrong. Keep a smile on your face and be pleasant.
7. Always keep right motives in front of you. The highest purpose of any life is the determination to do what is honest and right.
8. Learn how to relax. Have a diversion. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Cultivate a hobby you enjoy; it can make a big difference.
9. Guard against selfishness. Be ever mindful that God has given you all you have. Give generously to his kingdom’s causes and to others who need your help.
10. Face each day’s tasks and do them well. Never worry about tomorrow. You will take on those tasks when that day comes.
11. Count your many blessings and be glad for the opportunity life affords to look up, and laugh, and love and lift.
12. Keep close to Christ who gives the power to become. In all your ways acknowledge God, and he will direct your path.
Clyde Nichols is a retired minister, having served First Christian Church in Temple for 27 years as senior minister. He is the author of three books of devotionals and writes a religious column for several Texas newspapers, including The Reporter.
“This is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.