Happiness or holiness?

Lately this question has come up in discussion: does God want us to be happy or holy?

For awhile, I jumped on the latter stance, arguing that ultimately life is not about us but about God and that we should seek His glory above our own desires.  And while I believe that there is some truth in that statement, lately God has been challenging my thinking.

The answer to the above question is simply "yes".  It isn't an either/or but a both.  God calls us to be holy because ultimately holiness is for our good.  God isn't trying to squelch our fun and make our lives miserable.  Rather, He can see the whole horizon while we only see a millimeter in front of our faces.  Those things that we THINK will make us happy now in the end only result in heartache, disappointment, and pain; I know of far too many painful stories that attest to this truth.

God doesn't give us boundaries because He's some harsh dictator; He gives us boundaries because He loves us and wants what's best for us.  He wants us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness because that is what will lead to ultimate fulfillment.  He asks us to exchange immediate happiness for unending joy!  

God is good, friends.  He is faithful.  His ways are perfect.  His ways are so much greater than ours.  Trust Him today.