Practical Religion by JC Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
Happiness is the subject of today's reading.
Firstly Ryle points out some things which are absolutely essential to all true happiness:
(i) the highest wants of a man's nature must be met and satisfied;
(ii) man must have sources of gladness which are not dependent on anything in this world;
(iii) a man must be able to look on every side without uncomfortable feelings.
Secondly Ryle exposes some common mistakes about the way to be happy. He sums these mistakes up in one sentence: 'You might as well try to make an elephant happy by feeding him a grain of sand a day, as try to satisfy that heart of yours with rank, riches, learning, idleness or pleasure.'
Thirdly Ryle shows us the way to be really happy: 'The way to be happy is to be a real, thorough-going, true-hearted Christian.' This is because:
(i) his conscience is at peace;
(ii) he can sit down quietly and think about his soul;
(iii) he has sources of happiness entirely independent of this world.
I liked the last paragraph best: 'Believers, if you would have an increase of happiness in Christ's service, "labor every year to do more good." Look around the circle in which you live your life, and determine to be useful. Strive to be of the same character with God: He is not only good, but "does good" (Psalm 119:68). Alas there is far too much selfishness among believers in the present day! There is far to much lazy sitting by the fire nursing our own spiritual diseases, and growling over the state of our own hearts. Get up; and be useful in your day and generation! Is there no one in all the world that you can read the Bible to? Is there no one that you can speak to about Christ? Is there no one that you can write to about Christ? Is there literally nothing that you can do for the glory of God, and the benefit of your fellow-men? Oh I cannot think it! I cannot think it. There is much that you might do, if you had only the will. For your own happiness' sake, arise and do it, without delay. The bold, outspoken, working Christians are always the happiest. The more you do for God, the more God will do for you.'
Take it from Ryle - the hard working Christians are always the happiest.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 10 (Formality).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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