I watched so you did not have to. I am referring to an interview with perhaps the most influential “theologian” today. [This does not mean she is faithful to the Bible as RC Sproul says, “Everyone is a theologian.”] Oprah’s latest book hit the stores on September 12 and I strongly urge you to avoid it. I normally watch little or any TV in the morning. Yet I turned it on to catch up on the news and there she was talking about happiness.

Oprah cited the poem “Invictus” as an underlying element of true happiness. She quoted its closing words that let us know there is nothing Biblical about her pursuit of happiness:

“I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

So much for the comfort of knowing that God sovereignly rules over all things. Ironically knowing that I am not ‘the captain of my soul’ gives me great joy.

When asked to define happiness, she said it is “a level of contentment, peace of mind and satisfaction coming from purpose and meaning I have.” I trust you can state what the Bible says about each of those three points. Quickly, “Godliness with contentment is great gain per 1 Timothy 6:11; true lasting peace comes from Jesus and not from within (Eph. 2:14); and, God created us for our ultimate purpose in life to be living in relationship with Him with all things done for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31).

Her co-writer encouraged viewers to practice “Me-Search” instead of research. Somehow we must find meaning within ourselves. A life of looking within will only lead to despair for the heart is deceitfully wicked. Nor will seeking the meaning of life be found in someone else. I advocate “THEE-Search” – using a little King James English – to look to God alone for meaning, purpose, contentment, and yes, even happiness.

Instead of reading her book, I encourage you to savor the words of 2 Peter 1:3 that teach us God “has given us everything we need for life and godliness…” Look nowhere else. Jesus alone has the words of life.

Looking upward with you,

Pastor Gillikin