Finding JoySample

In the article titled, “How the Busiest People Find Joy,” the authors discovered that it’s important to avoid passive pursuits to experience higher levels of joy.

After a long day at work, many people watch tv, explore social media, or spend time gaming. These activities are passive pursuits.

The authors discovered that, on a three-point scale, joy soars to 2.4 when we’re involved in active pursuits, but for passive pursuits, we only experience joy at a 1.7 level. Romans 14:17-18 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.”

The Lord gave us physical bodies created for a reason. It should not come as a shock that our bodies flourish when they are used instead of left sedentary.

Exercising, hobbies, and volunteering are all active pursuits that bring us much more joy than passively watching tv or social media. Your pursuits can be used to your betterment. Active pursuits build community and your life all the while improving your mental health and increasing your joy.

Questions For Reflection

• Why do you think active pursuits bring people more joy? Have you noticed feeling more fulfilled when you engage in active hobbies?
• Why does the Lord bless righteousness, peace, and joy more than eating and drinking? After all, humans are physical beings who cannot survive without eating and drinking. What makes righteousness more essential than food?