Through the Christian apostle Paul, he lovingly counsels: “To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. . . .

To be truly happy, we need a good relationship with God. This is possible only by having an accurate knowledge of the Creator and by serving him wholeheartedly. But some may ask: ‘Why must a person be devoted to God in order to be happy? Are there not many people in the world who are not at all religiously inclined and yet who seem to enjoy their material prosperity and the finer things in life?’ True, but we must remember that genuine happiness is deeper than just pleasure or the momentary enjoyment of something. It involves a deep sense of well-being and inner peace.

A person who is devoted to God and enjoys a close relationship with his Creator has a deep sense of security and peace, which is essential to true happiness. The individual knows that no matter what adversity may befall him, he is assured of God’s loving care. (Heb. 13:5, 6) Because of being a servant of God, a person also has a purpose in life and a grand hope for the future. He knows that the Most High is going to remove all the hatred and wickedness that have brought so much pain and sorrow to this earth.