The second thing on the list of factors for happiness, according to Professor Arthur C. Brooks, is your family life. People with stable family life are likely to be happier than those with unstable families. This also is not just a scientific conjecture, but a fact in God’s word. Unfortunately, people are becoming increasingly transactional in their approach to God-ordained institution of marriage now than ever before. Many people contract marriages for financial or other selfish gains rather than for moral, ethical or spiritual goals as enumerated in God’s word. Recently, a woman who got married to a U.S marine was remanded in custody. She was found introducing poison into her husband’s coffee. Her goal was to kill him so she could claim the benefits. Even if she had succeeded, the happiness she was seeking from such a heavy payout would have been elusive.

“No sacrifice is too much to promote and maintain the sanctity of your family.”

In our text, we are given a rare peek into the life of one of the greatest and wealthiest men of his time – Job. The first thing mentioned about him was his uprightness. He was a blameless man who feared God and shunned evil. This equates with the first thing on Brooks’ list for happiness – your faith life. This was our focus yesterday. Right next to Job’s faith was the mention of his children. This talks of his family life. No sacrifice is too much to promote and maintain the sanctity of your family. Family is the go-to place at all times. That is where your bad times are minimized and good times are amplified. Little wonder that the devil is causing so much havoc to families these days. That has been his smartest move to drown people in unhappiness.