On Money and Happiness

We are such a privileged people. Seriously--who wouldn’t want to live in this century?  We have so much that previous generations never had. Public airplanes, vehicles, computers, TV, radio, cell phones, natural gas, electricity, indoor toilets, mega grocery chains, and much more that we don't even think about because it is so commonplace to us. Never mind that some of this technology is only 20 or 30 years old. I sometimes wonder if all that hasn’t clouded our minds and kept us so busy thinking about things that have no true meaning or lasting value. They are but temporary pleasures that mean nothing in the reality of eternity.

There are enough resources in this world for all of us to be comfortably wealthy...ALL of us. Yet, it’s all owned by a handful of families. That’s the reality of the world.  

Experience shows us that there’s always going to be violence and injustice. There will always be someone bigger with more authority. The more we have, the more we want. It is never enough and yet we willfully overlook the fact that money can sprout wings and fly-- suddenly.  Money is no guarantee of anything and it certainly doesn’t guarantee happiness.  

The truth is, contentment is hard to find on any level. We’re not satisfied with money (ask the rich), we’re not satisfied without money (ask the poor). We’re not happy with the way things are run in our lives, in our economy, in our world. We want authority whether it is in government, in church, in our homes. We have so much, and yet we’re not happy.

Why does happiness elude us? An ancient King said it this way:

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

I found that last verse interesting. How many of you know people that live in the past. All they do is relive their youth; their glory days. However, someone that has the ability to enjoy his days doesn’t dwell on the past. He is content with his life today. That certainly is a gift, whether rich or poor!

I came across this little video a while ago and it just tickled my funny bone. I really, really, really encourage you to check it out! Enjoy!

Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy

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