A study was conducted early in 2006 by Pew Research Center to determine which people were happiest. Though the study finds that most people seem to be happy (84 percent total), 34 percent in the study were said to be very happy which is what the following percentages will reflect within. No surprise to me, the happiest people seem to be those who are married, have children, attend church regularly, are Conservative, and have a middle class or higher income. The study was conducted by over 3,000 telephone interviews across the Untied States in both English and Spanish. The margin or error was said to be plus or minus 2 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.
- Political Views: I found it very interesting that 45 percent of those who reported being very happy claim to be Republican compared to only 30 percent who claimed to be Democrat. I suppose one can argue the current political situation, but nonetheless, as we look further into the report we see that 40 percent that consider themselves very happy are Conservative versus 27 percent who claim to be Liberal. The remaining 33 percent were said to be Moderates. I think there is something to be said about those who are more conservative in beliefs because, in my opinion these views better reflect what the Bible instructs. Aside from the chuckle many get from reading Matthew 25:33, “And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.” there is another scripture that actually shows Jesus’ views; conserving life, marriage, integrity, and respect.:
“…’You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 19:18-19)
- Marriage and Family: Marital bliss… Of those who are said to be very happy, 43 percent were married, versus 24 percent who were not. The study showed equal numbers for both men and women. God designed woman for man so he would not be alone. God knew the truth of happiness to be found in a good marriage from the beginning. I settled down very young and was very blessed to find a good husband. Having him in my life has meant I’m not alone. Those with children are also shown to be happiest; however single parents seem to be the least happy.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22)
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. (Psalm 127:3-5)
- Money and Education: Clearly, based on this study, those who have a college degree and those who have a descent income are happier than those who don’t. I think there is something to be said about achievement and the fruits of labor. Those who feel rushed in life were found to be less happy.
“As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19)
- Church Attendance: Those who frequently attend church were much happier than those who do not with 48 percent of those surveyed said to be very happy versus 28 percent who rarely—if ever attend church. The difference was those who attend church monthly or less, at 31 percent. Evangelicals are said to be happier than mainline Protestants whether regular attendees or not.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
So what’s the bottom line here? I really believe God knows what He’s talking about in the Bible in which He’s spoken and inspired. God didn’t set for us the commandments and guidance to deprive us; He did so that we might be happy.
Scriptures quoted are from the NKJV.