May 28, 2025

I have noticed lately that there seems to be some kind of ultimate goal in life going around, especially among young adults. Under the guise of “the perfect life”, all kinds of expectations, goals and demands are made for their future. It seems to be necessary to have a good education, then find a well-paid job “with prestige”. Then, of course, the “perfect” partner and relationship are also part of that, and after a few years of dating or living apart together, a house must, of course, be bought. This house must meet certain expectations and be decorated according to the latest trends, so that every house now has the same “look”; hardwood floors with herringbone patterns, a black kitchen, black glass/steel doors, metro tiles in the bathroom, sleek lines and neutral colors 😊, as is currently a hype in the Netherlands. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a kind of “run-of-the-mill”. Our young adults dig deep into their pockets to make this happen, despite the fact that they already have student debt, because that coveted piece of paper seems to give them prestige. I say all this jokingly and don’t mean it in a judgmental or condescending way, it’s more of an observation that I see and hear around me and which makes me sad. Of course, I understand that bread has to be put on the table to be able to pay for everything, whether that is for a house or for a sandwich. All prices are going through the roof these days. In order to be able to pay for all this, you also have to have a well-paid job these days, and to have a well-paid job, you unfortunately also have to have that “paper”. It strikes me that when you do not want to, or cannot, meet these expectations, you seem to not count in today’s society. When you do not find an education, a luxury house or an expensive car important, you are very quickly an “odd one out”. Sky-high expectations Despite these being facts, I see that there is also a huge pressure put on our young adults by society, who only feel that they count when all these goals have been achieved. The bar and expectations are set so high that it seems almost impossible to ever achieve them and if they are achieved, it is impossible to keep this up without ending up with a burn-out on your expensive couch in your “perfect” house. Towering debts are created, and the maximum limit on mortgages is taken out. I see and hear from the surrounding stories this puts an enormous burden on their shoulders, and there should not be a thundercloud over this “paradise” or the houses of cards will collapse. It is all so fragile and built on shifting sand. It is also not where our happiness is to be found; not in money, education, a partner, a big perfect house, being able to go on a ski holiday in the winter and a sun holiday in the summer. Nike addict Personally, I have also known a time like this; financially, it was “no end”, everything we wanted could be bought, and it seemed like I had everything my heart desired; we had a perfectly beautiful house with, indeed, hardwood floors with herringbone patterns, a luxury kitchen, neutral colors and clean lines, LOL. But, behind the closed doors of this “perfect house” lay a less than happy marriage and perfect life. We had beautiful cars on the sidewalk and luxury vacations several times a year, but inside I was deeply unhappy. I tried to buy my happiness in every possible way and not only developed a clothing, bags and make-up addiction but especially Nike was very happy with the deep dissatisfaction in me. By the time I realized that I might be developing a problem and was looking for my happiness in the wrong things, this shopping addiction had already counted over fourty pairs, LOL. I laugh about it now, but at the time it was quite sad. It wasn’t until I met Jesus when I realized that everything the world offers me could never, ever make me happy.  Knowing Jesus was coming home.  Paradise is not found in a lifestyle of money or fame; paradise is only found in knowing Jesus Christ! It was a relief to realize that no one could ever take my happiness away from me because Jesus is my happiness. No matter how much or how little money I had, how big or how small my house was, or how “important” my job was, I could always carry my “happiness” with me. Jesus is always with us. He is the source of all our joy and peace. It is not for sale, it cannot be taken away from us, it will never fade, it is available to everyone, and we can draw from it at all times. The “secret” is in the word “know.” Knowing Jesus means having a deep and personal relationship with Him, knowing His character, recognizing His voice, understanding Him, knowing His guidance and His will. Knowing who He is, what He has done for you, and your authority in Him. Trusting Him, following Him, surrendering your life to Him, and doing what He asks of you.  Here you will find true freedom, true peace and true happiness, this is true paradise on earth and life in fullness. This should be a goal of everyone’s life: to know Him! Paradise is found in knowing Jesus Christ The starting point But how can we know Him? The Bible teaches that when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” – Romans