What's So Bad About Being Happy?

Non-Christians think that we Christians are inviting them to come be miserable, with us because they love the sins that we deplore. But we aren't just asking them to give up their addictions. We are asking them to come enjoy something that is a thousand times better than any drug. The non-Christian's perception of the Gospel is, to a great degree, a projection of their own loves, not the reality of the Gospel itself. But we should be careful not to reinforce their warped perceptions. The Gospel invites everyone to come find happiness. Tell me: what is better than being loved? Having a non-condemning conscience? To no longer being terrified of dying? To have a wise, all-powerful Friend who never leaves you or betrays you? Evangelicals who put down "happiness" may feel that they are opposing modern hedonism. But they are off-kilter. Adam and Eve were happy before the fall; the saints in heaven are happy now. Happy is the man whose God is the Lord!