The Pursuit of Happiness

The third unalienable right listed in the Declaration of Independence does NOT say “happiness” but only the pursuit of it. Does that mean each of us has the right to be self-centered, to live hedonistically, to focus on the material things of this world without regard for one another?

None of those things bring happiness. True joy comes as we grow in character by overcoming adversity. Contentment comes when we are thankful with the blessings that we have. The secret of happiness lies in using our God-given talents to serve Him and one another. Its “pursuit” takes a lifetime, but there is joy in the journey.

“Material abundance without character is the path of destruction.” --Thomas Jefferson