We often hear that Christians should not judge. Of course, those who say such things are referring to judging people. Or, they may be defending themselves when a brother or sister lovingly tries to point out a problem.

The text verse reveals that we must be on guard and judge everything. In this verse, it refers to using discernment. Not everything that we deal with in our lives – or let influence us – will help us live for God. In fact, many things will lead us away from Him and from serving Him faithfully. The more we judge the things in our own life, the less we will be judged for at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

We fight against the world, the flesh, and the Devil all day long. We must keep up our guard and remember that God wants us to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33) in all we do. People can lead us from God, so can the love of money and things (covetousness), etc.

In another Scripture, Philippians 1:9,10, Paul told the believers at Philippi: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” He prayed that their love for God would grow two ways: by gaining more knowledge about Him, and that that knowledge would enable them to discern which things would help them be genuine for Christ.

If we are not careful and deliberately seek to please Christ, you can be sure that it will not happen. We will quickly become lukewarm and not very faithful. God wants us to “approve things that are excellent,” and discover the best things that pleases God and do them.

Have you been discerning about your time on the cellphone or computer? Have you been spending time in the Word every day so that you can learn what God wants you to do? Do you waste a lot of time? It is time, Christian, to judge those things and do what is right before God. His grace can help you. Remember that it is the spiritual Christian that “judgeth all things.”

The Apostle Paul was giving young Timothy a “charge” to fulfill the responsibilities of a preacher. Throughout his life, this young man would continue to show himself faithful as a Christian and as a preacher.

The thing that needs to be seen from Paul’s charge is the phrase “that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.” This charge is not applicable to preacher’s alone, but to every believer.

The Christian life is not a picnic or walk through the park. It is spiritual warfare, and when Christians see it as such, they can be successful and pleasing to God. Consider the following verses:

• II Co 10:3 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”
• 2Ti 2:4 “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
• 1Pe 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”
• I Co. 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

As believers, we need to fight against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. They are always seeking to conform us to ways that are contrary to God and will neutralize our effectiveness as believers if we are not careful.

Soldiers constantly train and practice to maintain discipline so that they can fight well. They know their weapons and tactics, and Christians need to know how to stand using God’s weapons.

The tools and weapons that God gives us are very effective and can enable us to stand. They include the promises in the Word of God and the armor He has given us. We must always be sober and vigilant because we have an adversary who has many devices.

While there is no doubt that many of the suggestions will help people to be happier, there is a dimension that nearly all of them are missing – the spiritual dimension. The spiritual aspect of happiness is the most important – if those tips are to be based on the Bible. After all, the Bible is God’s blueprint for life and happiness, as well as for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.

There are several reasons why people remain unhappy. Here are four of them:

1. They carry guilt for past wrongs.
2. They do not know the Source of life and happiness.
3. They do not understand the Bible’s principles for happiness.
4. They believe happiness is the goal – and not a by-product of right living.

True happiness – which the Bible refers to as joy – is not obtained from things. Most people know that the happiness that comes from new things at Christmas quickly wears off. Then, they have to look for some new toy or gadget to try and get that same level of happiness back. Even love from a relationship cannot fully satisfy – because God never intended for people to obtain complete and lasting satisfaction from anything or anyone apart from Him.

There is a common misunderstood difference between happiness and Biblical joy. As has already been mentioned, happiness usually comes from external things, people, or circumstances. Biblical joy, however, comes from God and being right with Him. The joy that comes from Him can endure even in the worst of circumstances and keep that believer in peace – and happy – while they trust God and serve Him.

The Bible reveals that believers should not expect to be joyous all the time. There will be seasons of trials and testing. These help to mature the believer, but David reminds us in Psalm 30:5: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

For people that want to know how to find happiness, you need to get saved first. God will forgive you of all of your sins and take away the guilt, too! Follow this link to learn more about Bible salvation.

Believers without joy also need to come before God and be cleansed of their sin. Confess the sin, surrender to the will of God afresh, and pray like David in Psalm 51:12: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Then, believer, remember that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). As long as you seek first His Kingdom and do His will (Mt. 6:33) and not grieve the Holy Spirit, you can continue to walk in His joy – and power. Remember, too, that “the joy of the LORD is your strength“ (Neh. 8:10).

More on the topic of how to live a happy life tomorrow!