"Have No Right to Happiness"

C.S. Lewis' "Have No Right to Happiness" begs the question of whether or not humans have a right to happiness. Lewis gives the example of a man leaving his wife for another woman. The man's reasoning was that he wanted to be happy, and so left his wife in pursuit of that happiness. Today's society is built on the pursuit of happiness for the individual because it is seen as our right as Americans. In response to this view, Lewis argued that humans in fact do not have any right to happiness.

When I first read this article, I thought that we, as human beings, definitely have a right to happiness. The world tells me every day to pursue happiness in family, in a good job, in money, in friends, etc. We have conformed to the mindset that it is our right to be happy and that we deserve it. As I mulled this thought over in my head, I soon realized that my mindset was completely off. We, as humans, have no right to anything, let alone happiness. When sin entered the world, we lost all rights to anything because we were captured by our sin. God sent His son, Jesus, to earth in order to have mercy on our lost souls. God sent us grace so that we may follow and spend eternity with Him forever. We have no right to anything. It is only because God sent grace that we can pursue happiness that is rooted in Christ. In Philippians 4:4, God calls us to "rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!". I am completely humbled by God's gifts of grace and mercy for His lost children and I find joy in His constant love.

In class, we discussed the difference between happiness and joy. I believe that joy is a long-lasting expression found inwardly in Christ, while happiness is more of an external emotion more rooted in the world we live in. This difference is extremely important when discussing the morality of pursuing happiness. When we pursue happiness, we need to be careful to make sure that it is rooted in God and not for individual gain. This mindset takes a lot of self-control and contentment. Lewis stated, "When two people achieve lasting happiness, this is not solely because they are great lovers but because they are also- I must put it crudely- good people; controlled, loyal, fair-minded, mutually adaptable people."

We have no right to happiness. When we pursue happiness, it is extremely important to make sure it is rooted in God and not fully in the world. I am not saying it is ungodly to make good money or pursue love that would inevitably bring happiness, but it needs to not just be for individual gain, but also for the well-being of others as a part of God's will. Matthew 22:37-39 states, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your should and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' True happiness is found in striving to help others and following God's Law.