Did you know Jesus said,

“Happy are the poor in spirit,
 Happy are those who mourn,
 Happy are the meek,
 Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

If you know, you know…

Those are the beatitudes from Matthew 5, The Sermon on the Mount. The word happy is often translated as “blessed,” which is how most recall it. I love unpacking words, context, and meaning. It helps us gain such a better understanding of the true, authentic message.

Did you know there’s also an often misunderstood phrase about happiness written by Thomas Jefferson in the declaration of independence? Many of us over the years have incorrectly misinterpreted “the pursuit of happiness.”There was a secondary meaning in the 18th century that people would’ve understood. Here’s the last line from the Declaration of Independence that puts it into perspective:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Sounds like a truly devoted church.

-Protect Divine Providence. Providence means “protected care of God.”

-Mutually pledge our lives to each other.

-Our fortunes.

-Our sacred honor. Sacred means connected to God, dedicated to religious purpose.

Honor is a DEEP word used purposefully by TJ. High respect, great esteem. Biblically speaking, honor one another above yourselves. (Phil 2:3, Romans 12:10)

The pursuit of happiness wasn’t about living out our individual selfish desires, solely for our own gain, especially at the expense of others. It was about the rights God gave all humans to live in stability, health and well-being, fit and orderly lifestyles, in peace, balance, and freedom. Private happiness affects public happiness. Take all things into consideration.

Regarding Life by the spirit Paul says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Gal 5:13)

If Jesus sets us free, why live in the flesh when He empowers us with his authority to live by the Spirit?! (John 8:36)

How many of you know Honoring God is of first and utmost importance…

And loving our neighbors as ourselves is the second greatest command.

Both are selfless and require self-restraint.

But this is the benefit we receive…to live in holiness. (Romans 6:22-23)

This is true freedom, life, liberty, and happiness.

Oh, how I love to unpack words!

This past Sunday, I unpacked true freedom in Christ while weaving in the historical facts that our founders of this “One nation under God,” and authors of the Declaration of Independence who declared our dependence on God, purposely created a culture and collective consciousness that pointed Americans to this ultimate freedom-provider: Jesus Christ, our Savior.

If you want to know more about being set FREE, check it out here: 2:3 Church Service from July 7, 2024