Everyone wants to be happy, to live a happy life. & I’m sure most people want to get to heaven so here are 10 rules for happy living
#1) Give something away (with no strings attached): We read the golden rule in (Act 20:35) I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, & to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive…There is a greater blessing- a genuine blessing- in store for those who give to the poor & needy There is something heartwarming in giving, it lifts the spirits so give with no strings attached, with no intent to get anything in return.
#2) Do a kindness (& forget it): (Luke 6:31) & as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise... …Jesus shows the very importance of going the extra mile & loving all; not just those who love us. The golden rule was no doubt present in many of Christ’s sermons. It gets to the very heart of living the way he wants his followers to live. To be generous, kind, considerate, sacrificing- would it not be great if everyone was like that? They shall be in the eternal state.
#3) Spend a few minutes with the elderly (the experience is priceless guidance): (Psa 71:18) Now also when I am old & gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, & thy power to everyone that is to come…The elderly after accomplishing so much in their lives definitely deserve our respect & attention. There is a lot that they can teach others if we will just listen to what they know, learn from their experiences, & apply it to our lives.
#4) Look intently into the face of a baby (& marvel): Children are a gift from God, & each moment with them should be cherished. “LITTLE EYES UPON YOU” There are little eyes upon you & they’re watching night & day. There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say. There are little hands all eager to do anything you do; & a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you…You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise. In his little mind about you, no suspicions ever rise. He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say & do; He will say & do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you. There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right; & his eyes are always opened, & he watches day & night. You are setting an example every day in all you do; For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like You.
#5) Laugh often: (Psalm 126:2-3) Then was our mouth filled with laughter, & our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad…Laughter is good for the soul, & makes for a better attitude.
#6) Give thanks (a 1000 times a day is not enough): (Psa 28:7) The LORD is my strength & my shield; my heart trusted in him, & I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; & with my song will I praise him…(Ps 69:30) I will praise the name of God with a song, & will magnify him with thanksgiving…. (Ps 100:4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving & into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, & bless his name…God is definitely worthy of our praise & thankfulness.
#7) Pray- prayer is sacred to the child of God, & it is powerful under the right circumstances. God answers the prayers of the righteous, so let’s try to be in the right relationship with God.
#8) Work: (Col 3:23) & whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, & not unto men;…Work heartily - with your soul; which means with all your heart, with all you’ve got- all you are able to put into the service. The Christian is to be the finest worker any employer could possibly find. He/she will put himself/ herself into the work in a way no one else would; b/c it is really the Lord he/she is serving.
#9) Plan as though you’ll live forever (b/c you will if you are faithful) just notice (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
#10) Live as though you’ll die tomorrow (b/c you will die someday) (Hebrews 9:27) & as it is appointed to man once to die, but after this the judgment…… How are you living?
Jeff Heitman