The search for happiness is not fulfilled in the material world; true fulfillment is only possible by finding rest and fulfillment in God's love.
The love experienced in a relationship with God is both partial and sufficient, providing moments of immense joy and satisfaction.
Deep dives
The Search for Happiness: Reordering Your Loves
Augustine's philosophy highlights that the search for happiness is not fulfilled in the material world. The lack of fulfillment in earthly desires leads to disappointment and disillusionment. Augustine argues that the deepest need of the heart is to love and be loved by God, who created humans for that purpose. Reordering one's loves, prioritizing God above all else, allows for a more satisfying and meaningful life. However, seeking God solely for personal happiness is not genuine love; true love for God must come from a sincere desire to know and love Him. Christianity provides a unique advantage in this regard as it offers the story of Jesus Christ, who exemplifies God's unconditional love and sacrifice for humanity.
Finding Satisfaction in God's Love
Christianity presents the answer to the unfulfilled longing for satisfaction by emphasizing God's love and sacrifice. Augustine acknowledges that striving for earthly accomplishments, such as success, relationships, and pleasures, will lead to disappointment. He argues that true fulfillment is only possible by finding one's rest and fulfillment in God's love. The story of the Russian czar adopting his friend's son and making a personal sacrifice to cover the son's debts illustrates how God's love in Jesus Christ evokes love in return. By recognizing the depths of God's love and reflecting on His sacrificial actions, individuals can begin to find satisfaction and love in their relationship with God.
Partial but Sufficient Love
The love experienced in a relationship with God is both partial and sufficient. It does not bring complete and constant happiness but consists of moments of immense joy and satisfaction. Augustine argues that this partial love is enough to sustain individuals, giving them hope and a taste of fulfillment. Christianity acknowledges that earthly desires will never fully satisfy, but the hope and the love of God provide consolation and purpose. This understanding helps individuals appreciate the moments of deep joy and gives them the strength to endure the challenges and disappointments of life.
Christianity's Unique Perspective on Finding Satisfaction
Christianity offers a distinctive perspective on finding satisfaction and meaning in life. By reordering one's loves and prioritizing God over all else, individuals can experience a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. The story of Jesus Christ's sacrifice exemplifies God's love for humanity, inspiring a reciprocal love and devotion in return. This love is sufficient and sustains individuals, even though it does not bring constant or absolute happiness. Christianity provides a unique and compelling framework for exploring the search for happiness and finding satisfaction in a relationship with God.
In this episode, Tim Keller explores questions around satisfaction and contentment: Should we search for happiness or satisfaction? Does God care about my happiness?
This talk was recorded before a live audience on March 21, 2019 in New York City.
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