Of the two choices given in the title of this blog, which would you say is most important to you? Would you rather be happy, or holy? Some would say, “Why does it have to be one or the other? Why can’t I strive for both?” And that is, I suppose, a logical question. But for the sake of discussion, let’s hypothesize that you come to a juncture in life at which you have to choose between the two. It comes down to a very real, very distinct choice between being happy and being holy.

For a beginning point for this discussion, let’s revisit the classic Biblical example: Job. Job had literally lost everything: his possessions, his flocks and herds, his ten children, his health, everything. The only thing spared was Job and his wife. And in the midst of this horrific loss, and of his personal physical suffering, he is told by his wife:

“Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God, and die!”

Job 2:9

What encouragement! His own wife seems to have lost all hope, and all happiness, in face of the multiplied troubles that have befallen them. She, too, has lost everything. All those possessions were theirs; the ten children were theirs; the flocks and herds were theirs. She has witnessed it all, and is now suffering the excruciating agony of living in the aftermath. Her response is pretty much the same as countless others who have literally lost it all.

But now, let’s listen to Job’s response to this admonition from his wife:

“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?”

Job 2:10

Now, for just a moment, think about the purpose of Job’s life as he uttered these words. Do you think he was striving for happiness, or holiness? I would venture the guess that he was certainly not happy with the circumstances of his life during this time of loss and suffering. I would suggest that he was stricken with grief over his extreme loss. I would suggest that he, like so many others in times of personal loss and suffering, was struggling to make sense of it all. He was, after all, a man of integrity. The description given of him in chapter one is certainly one to be emulated. Listen to these words spoken by God Himself:

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns from evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him, to destroy him without just cause.”

Job 2:3

What an absolutely revolting thought, right? God states emphatically that Satan had incited Him to destroy Job without just cause! In other words, there was no apparent reason for Job to suffer the way he did. God drew Satan’s attention to Job, and then gave him the freedom to destroy everything Job had.

And even after suffering so terribly, Job continued to maintain his integrity. His desire was not for happiness, but for holiness. His desire was to bring glory to God regardless of life’s circumstances. We could all learn a lesson from that, couldn’t we?

I read with keen interest some things people post on social media. When life is good, and all is well, and everyone is happy, then we see words of praise and adoration to a loving Father in heaven. But let things go south – let the news from the doctor be the “C” word, or let the child stray from the path we taught them to follow, or let the finances hit rock bottom, or let the promotion be given to someone else, or let the downsizing mean you no longer are employed, or let the; well, you get the picture. Something happens that affects our happiness, and it sends us down a hole of enormous proportions.

I have seen some who call God’s goodness into question. I’ve seen others who rail out against God, blaming Him for being unfair. Still others will say that if God doesn’t do something, they will lose faith entirely. Their understanding of the love of God is based upon their preconceived ideas about what makes Him good.

Job’s wife tells him to curse God and die. She undoubtedly thought that Job’s suffering made his life not worth living. In today’s culture of death, there are multitudes who believe that if a person’s health declines to the point that they are no longer productive citizens, then the merciful and loving thing to do would be to end their lives. Others will do everything within their power, coupled with the promise of this or that medical procedure, to hold on to every precious moment of life. So, what is the answer?

Job’s response, “Should we accept only good from God, and not adversity?”, is the response we should make in light of every eventuality of life. God is ultimately in control of everything that happens in life. We enjoy the blessings and bounty of His amazing supply, while at other times we suffer loss and trouble beyond our ability to control. In and through it all, we are to maintain our integrity, strive for holiness, and set our goal on bringing Him glory through it all.

Faith, we are told in John’s first epistle, is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is the ability to see the invisible. God is at work every moment, and always has our best interest in mind as He providentially guides, bringing about His desired purposes and plans for us.

Let me conclude by relating a story found in the Gospels. In Mark 9:24, we hear the cry of a man who had brought his child to Jesus for His healing touch. Please read slowly, carefully, and prayerfully Jesus’ response: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” At this point, the heart of the man was laid bare before Jesus, as he cried out:

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

My encouragement today is simply this: when life throws us a curve; when our plans have fallen through; when the light at the end of the tunnel is barely visible; when everything is completely chaotic and out of control; then run to Jesus! Cry out in our times of distress, “Lord, help my unbelief!” He will show His mighty hand. The outcome may not be as we had hoped, but with His help we will see our way through. We will, indeed, realize that all things are possible to him who believes.

Whatever your life experience is as you read these words, turn it over to the One, and only One, who can really make a difference. Trust Him; depend upon Him; accept by faith His will; and trust the outcome to His grace. Let’s set our minds and hearts on striving for holiness, and not simply happiness.