06/10/2026
Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness
We are fast approaching the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, the birth of our nation. Our forefathers put their lives at risk signing that document. As liberty-loving people, they decided they could no longer abide the tyranny of Britain.
A 33 year old Thomas Jefferson penned the famous words.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
I used to think I knew what that meant, “life, liberty, happiness.” I thought life was found in family, friends, money, and excitement. I have lived long enough to understand that families sometimes fail. Friendships don’t last forever. Happiness is fleeting.
The story of Adam and Eve in Eden reveals that life is meant to be a paradise-like relationship with God. They had everything they needed, comfort, food, warmth, and conversing with God face to face. They had only one warning to heed. Don’t eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They listened to a crafty serpent and ate anyway. They lost paradise.
Joni Mitchell wrote in her song Woodstock, “We’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.” In a lot of ways, life is about trying to find our way back to paradise.
Jesus once called Himself the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep to nourishing pasture and refreshing water. His sheep trust His voice and follow. Jesus said,
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
God is the very source of life. Jesus came to bring us back to God. Life is our relationship with the Lifegiver.
I grew up in the 60s and 70s when freedom was a buzz word. Art and music, then, spoke of freedom and the need to be free. We thought freedom meant answering to no one. To be free is to do as I wish with no one to stop me.
That understanding of freedom is selfish and childish. We are social animals. We need each other. Healthy people learn to be considerate of others. Liberty requires forbearance, temperance, and compassion. A Jewish proverb states that we will never be free as long a someone is in bo***ge, or hungry, or poor. True liberty is found in lifting the burdens of others and building a just society where all benefit. Many have fought and died for that dream.
Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. (Galatians 5:13)
Happiness comes, temporarily, from nice things, fun experiences, and fulfilling work. Lasting happiness is fleeting. Pursuit of things, prizes, power, wealth, and fun do not lead to lasting happiness. But when the heart is at peace, secure in the faithful love of God, a peace and joy that passes understanding abides.
In a few weeks, Centenary United Methodist Church in Lebanon will join America in celebrating our 250th birthday. On Sunday, July 5th, at 10:30 A.M., we will celebrate with patriotic music, a brass band, singing and a message of hope. Join us in the pursuit of life, liberty and deep abiding happiness.
Pastor Scott Tyring
