“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17)

The key word to happiness is “do.” James says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). However, happiness (or blessedness) is not in the actual “doing” the Word of God; instead, true happiness lies in the intent in the heart that leads to works (or actions). This intent comes from revelation, “If ye know these things.”

The key then to doing “Works of Faith” (or works of Christ, for Christ is The Faith) is that Christ dwells in you. That is, you have received not the spirit of fear and bondage, but you have received the “Spirit of adoption,” whereby you cry “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).

When this experience is a reality in your spirit, then you have been made by God a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17); you have been raised from the spiritually dead (Romans 6:4). You have been made free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2); which means that you are no longer a bond slave of unrighteousness, but a bond slave (a servant) of righteousness (Romans 6:8-14). Then your fruits (or works) will be of and from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); wherein you have the Perception of the Power of Christ to do, or to perform “Works of Faith” (Philippians 4:13).

The true test of regeneration is the fruit of Love – to God (John 14:15) and to men (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:10-24; 4:7-21). Christ revealed to the Apostles one key to happiness by His act of humility, the act of the Master and Lord, washing the feet of His servants. This key is the attitude of Matthew 22:37-40. This attitude of love is expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, especially verses 4-8. The key word in these verses is “charity.” The Greek word is “agape”; which is defined in the Work of Christ, as He was our Sacrifice, Substitute, and Savior on the Cross, making Atonement for the sin debt of sinners (His lost Sheep; John 10:11).

Charity (or agape) is a love, not of emotions or feelings, but a love of purpose to fulfill the Will of God as taught in the Scriptures. It is a self-sacrificing love.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

“Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

It is a love that says, “…not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42c). It is a love that loves “thy neighbour as thyself.” It is a love that walks by faith, not by sight (Hebrews 11:6). It is a love that keeps His Commandments:

“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”  (1 John 2:5)

Therefore, when men possess “charity,” or God living within them; then they have a servant’s heart of surrender, submission, obedience, and endurance to Christ. And this attitude will be (not maybe, but will be) manifested in the Works of Faith to God and to the Brethren.

The servant is not greater than the Master; and if the Master humbled Himself before His Sheep and washed their feet; shall we do less? Herein lies a key to happiness as a Child of God.

Practice the Servant Attitude of Love today; and you will honor God and He will honor you. You will be happy! You will be blessed of God!