The Shirt of a Happy Man

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11b-13

There is an old Jewish story that says that a king’s son grew very ill. The king sent for the country’s wise men, looking a cure. After much research, they determined that the only way to help the boy was to have him wear the shirt of a happy man.

The king was thrilled, thinking this would be a very easy cure. But when he sent word to the dukes and lords of the nation, it was discovered that none of them were truly happy. So he sent word to the rich business men and corporate leaders but none of them qualified either. Finally, after a long search, the wise men came across a poor shepherd who told them that yes, he was truly a happy man. But when they asked for his shirt, he removed his outer cloak only to reveal that he HAD no shirt!

Paul taught that true joy in life consists not in the possession of things. True joy can only be found in purpose. If we discover our purpose in life, we will also discover the meaning of each of the elements in our lives. If we find our ultimate purpose, we will also know the purpose of our spiritual gifts, our relationship with others, our experience or skills. Everything falls into place and begins to function properly once we discover the WHY of life.

Science offers the WHAT or HOW of life. It does not answer the ultimate questions of purpose and meaning. Science is valuable. Read through the book of Proverbs and see how many admonitions God gives us to seek out knowledge and understanding. But we must go beyond these to wisdom.

Money only offers happiness as it finds its way through our hands and into God’s work and will. Things only provide happiness to the extent that they are used to glorify God and serve others. Someone who focuses on wealth and success as ends in themselves will never achieve true joy. They will always be left with sand in their hands and gravel in their mouths.

Why is this? It is because joy is a spiritual matter and only those who approach God (and that can only be done by the humble) can achieve it. That is why Jesus said it was very difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Riches, and the status and power that go along with them, elevate man’s spirit in pride. It is a strong person indeed who can overcome the handicap of wealth.