My long search has led me to realize that happiness is a desirable and achievable state, not rooted in the ceaseless pursuit of material wealth. When Jesus spoke about not pursuing material well-being as a life’s goal, He meant that Truth, Meaning, Purpose, is available to all. And, that He desires us all to experience abundant life.

Living in the materialistic underworld- craving this, that, and the other thing endlessly- does not satisfy the whole person. That is not abundance as defined by the kingdom of God. Living by one’s worldly appetites is slavery actually, Jesus implies. Not a desirable state.

What Jesus offers the woman at the well wasn’t an addictive substance like Coca-Cola- that makes her more thirsty in minutes. The Lord is not tricky, deceitful, and craven like materialistic creatures ruling this current world. What He offers, he says, is Eternal Life. Pure, life-giving water, no strings attached. No red dye #2.

So, the kingdom life Jesus invites us all to enjoy requires respect for and cooperation with His principles. It takes a rewiring of my mind and thoughts, away from creatures-comforts-only lifestyle. Then, Up, up, and away to the greater things He has planned.

I can start cutting loose things I don’t need, like thoughts that demoralize. And, possessions that hold sad memories- and tether me to unhappy places in the past. Bitterness, criticism (from the religious quarters particularly) has no place in my future.

I guess that is why Jesus had to come to earth Himself, so people can see the real deal. The religious people were messing things up with their long faces and demoralizing unbelief.