In our fallen state, we obviously lack the perfect ingredients of perfect happiness, and thus can never expect to attain to it in this world. However, insofar as we grow in wisdom, goodness, holiness, etc., we will also grow in happiness. And what we sow in seed form here, will one day bloom into perfect and eternal flower.

Pastors sometimes say stupid things. Sometimes those stupid things are catchy and wind up being repeated by many other pastors. One of the more preposterous pithy statements I have heard many preachers say is, “Sheep are dumb.” They say this as shepherds and are referring to the sheep of the church—the congregation. The idea is that sheep are dumb, and must be led well. We shouldn’t be surprised when they do stupid things. My problem with this statement is that it disrespects people made in God’s image and redeemed by God’s Son.