There is a superficial happiness that people know will end soon, so they party it up tonight in a very careless way. Isn't this the message of every Katy Perry or Kesha song? Likewise, there is a deep misery (that the superficial happiness seeks to cover up) that people just can't shake, so they justify partying it up tonight in a very careless way.
Consequently, standards like "You shall not commit adultery," fly out of the window. And motives like "Love your neighbor as yourself," fall out of focus. In other words, when the unbiblical goal of happiness dominates our ethic, relativism and selfishness rule. We don't care what God says, and we don't ultimately care about other people.
But this is all really just a facade. It has been my observation that we often feel that life is way too long on earth to be miserable, and life is far too short (or even nonexistent) after life on earth to be unhappy now. This utter hopelessness is the main reason why our culture has ditched Godly standards as well as selfless motives.
The biblical perspective, however, is radically different. Our life on earth is a mere breath (Job 7:7). Our life in heaven is everlasting (Jn 6:58). But how does this perspective cause the Christian life to look radically different?
First, we are encouraged to seek that which will give us eternal happiness, rather than earthly happiness. It doesn't make any sense whatsoever to gain all of the treasure on earth but lose everlasting treasure in heaven (Mark 8:36; Matt 6:20).
Second, we are encouraged to trust in Christ, who alone satisfies the deep longings of our heart. Faith in Christ is deeply satisfying and is far more fulfilling than the superficial pleasures of this world.
Third, we are encouraged to keep the Lord's commandments even though they may prohibit us from earthly pleasures. Indulging in sexual pleasure outside of marriage is a very powerful temptation in our day. To obtain is almost unbearable when we believe that the end of our hunger seems so far away. But when the end is in view, and near!, we find strength (by His Spirit) and encouragement to wait.
Fourth, we are encouraged to bring praises and supplications to the Lord in prayer. We bring praises for giving us the down-payment of the Holy Spirit (now), as well as the promise of our inheritance in heaven (not yet). It is common experience that when struggle is small so is prayer.
In summary, life on earth is very short. Life after physical death is forever. When conflict happens and we are tempted to abandon the Lord's instruction and promise, we have reason, encouragement and strength to wait patiently. Yes, faith, hope, and love change everything. If life is difficult now, don't abandon ship. Cling to the Lord by faith; hope in your treasure in heaven; and love others well.
Our culture says that life is too long not to be happy now. But the Scripture is true that life now is far too short not to be happy forever. Just think, in a billion years from now, you will look back on ~70 years of waiting and say that it was well worth it.
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