Happy Church Leadership Development: Happiness=Righteous Life=ESHER
From the Old to the New Testaments How Happiness is Conditional
“Esher” is a word for blessing used in the Old Testament. It means “state of happiness” and appears 42 times.
Notice the tie with happiness and righteousness.
Attaining Esher: 3 Essential Principles
Follow Righteous Guidance Psalm 1:1: “Joy belongs to those who avoid the counsel of the wicked and walk in the ways of righteousness."
Reverence and Obedience to God Psalm 112:1: “Happiness is found in revering the Lord and joyfully obeying his commands."
Embrace Forgiveness and Scripture Psalm 32:1-2: "True joy comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and finding delight in the words of the Lord."
By adhering to these three principles—righteous guidance, reverence and obedience to God, and embracing forgiveness and Scripture—we can unlock the happiness that esher offers in our lives.
Many Christians resist happiness affirming the joy of salvation that is unconditional and not based on circumstances. There is an oil of joy that God pours onto us and interesting it’s poured when we embrace righteous living. In the original Hebrew, the word for "joy" in these scriptures is "simchah" (שִׂמְחָה).
In Psalms 45:7, it says: "You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."
And in Hebrews 1:9, it says: "You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."
These verses emphasize the connection between righteousness and joy, portraying them as attributes bestowed upon those who love justice and hate evil.
In Hebrew, the word esher shows us our happiness is dependent on how we live. We choose blessing or cursing, through our obedience or disobedience to His Word. God is a God of emotions. He is very clear about Happiness and the pathway to having a Happy Church. Synonyms in our culture is ‘Healthy Organizational Culture.’
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "esher" (אֶשֶׁר) is often translated as "happiness" or "blessedness." One well-known passage where this word appears is in Psalm 1:1-3:
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
In this passage, the word "joys" in "Oh, the joys" can be translated from the Hebrew word "esher," conveying the idea of happiness or blessedness.
"Happy Church Leadership Development" by Alexia Georghiou is a transformative guide for individuals seeking spiritual growth and effective leadership within the church. With a rich background as a retired mental health therapist, Alexia brings a unique perspective to navigating challenges, fostering unity, and leading with faith. Drawing on 30+ years of experience and a diverse range of accomplishments, including founding The Knoxville Happiness Coalition and teaching at The University of Tennessee, her content promises to enhance life satisfaction, purpose, and understanding of oneself and others. This book is a valuable resource for those aspiring to lead with authenticity and make a positive impact within their church community.
MINT the BOOK, Happy Church Development on Mirror HERE.
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