An officer of the State Highway Patrol radios in to the dispatcher, “In pursuit of suspect now on interstate highway.” A motivational speaker addresses the collegiate graduating class, “Pursue your dreams.” To pursue something means to go after it or to chase it.
As the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday, “We the people,” often hear the following words from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Powerful words. What do they mean? I wonder if people between the ages of 18-35 have ever heard them before? “We hold these truths.” Folks, that is what we believe. Today, that is you and I. In 1776 it was a small group of men.
What are these truths? We are given a list. 1) “powers of the earth,” as granted by Nature’s God (capital G). 2) “a separate and equal station,” which is the recognition by other countries. 3) “a decent respect,” an attitude that is reciprocated by other nations.
Let’s talk about the three “unalienable” rights specifically mentioned. When born, we are given life by the grace of God. Each person has the right to life. In declaring our individual self-worth, we obtain liberty. Liberty in law and liberty in our faith. Let’s look at the ending phrase; “the pursuit of happiness.” What does it mean to chase after happiness, to pursue your dreams? What does it imply?
Perhaps first, we should define happiness. Otherwise, why would a person pursue it? The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Philippians chapter 4 verse 11 of the Holy Bible; “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Is this what the Founding Fathers of our nation had in mind when writing the Declaration? To be content with whatever circumstances King George sent their way? I think not. Paul’s meaning in this context was, he had learned to depend on God. So, is happiness depending on God? Yes, but we have to learn it. We have to pursue it.
But there is more. Not to be satisfied with circumstances is OK. Jesus stated He came to make life more abundant (John 10: 10). Think about that. Jesus wants us to have a more abundant life. Ok, does this mean material possessions? A great many people strive for and work hard to obtain material wealth. There is nothing wrong with that, just don’t make the striving for and working hard your god. We all desire to live comfortably. We all desire for our children to have a good life that is equal to or better than ours.
So why did the Founding Fathers include the words, “the pursuit of happiness?” It is a goal to strive for, an achievement to seek after, a task worth working for. The implication here is directed specifically towards the individual. As such, each person is to pursue happiness because it will not come to one who simply waits. This goal should be sought after by everyone. Imagine if you will, the entire population of a country pursuing happiness. Can you picture the results? The cooperation of citizens. The respect of one individual to another. The growth of the greatest nation on earth. Forget pursuing socialism. Forget pursuing communism. Pursue happiness by doing that which is right. Pursuing happiness is finding Paul’s contentment.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
