Are you happy with your life? What is the source of your happiness? 

There are lots of ideas around us on how we could find happiness. Jesus, however, has what gives us happiness for a life time.

Based on Matthew 5: 1-11, He lays out what we know of as “the beatitudes.” Every statement begins with the word “blessed,” which also stands for “happy,” from the original text.

Our happiness is directly related to the kingdom of heaven, which requires us to be “poor in spirit.”

But, what does it mean to be poor in spirit? And what does the kingdom of heaven look like?

To be poor in spirit is an attitude we have to work on and should be reflective of God. It is to center our lives on Jesus Christ alone.

Only those who are poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven, which Jesus came to demonstrate among us.

Jesus showed us the following: love, peace, comfort and restoration. These four are what define God’s kingdom, which Jesus came to give us. Love, peace, comfort and restoration are things that we can never receive from anyone or anything else. We may receive some similar to the four. But, all that is we receive from humans or nature is temporary. What we receive from Jesus, however, is eternal and will never be taken away from us!

This article was adapted from the sermon, Keys to a Happier Living – Part One, delivered at the United Methodist church of Harris and Lake Park, IA., on September 6 2015.