Being Happy, Part 5

Don’t seek after money.

I like the saying: “Happy is the man who has learned to hold the things of this world with a loose hand.”

Money is like seawater; the more you drink, the thirstier you become.

We know a man who set a goal to make a million dollars. After achieving his goal, the man was asked, “You made your million, are you happy?”. Do you know what he said? “Now I want two million dollars.” It never ends. Satisfaction does not come to those who seek after money.

There is nothing wrong with having or making a lot of money; God blessed Job, Abraham, and David with a lot of wealth and they were definitely heroes of faith. It’s all about your focus and your priority. Do you remember the story of the rich fool in Luke 12 ?(Go and read that - click here )

We are to lay up treasure in heaven. John Newton one day went to visit a Christian family that had suffered the loss of everything they owned by fire. He said to the woman, “I give you joy, Madam.” Surprised, and ready to be offended, she exclaimed: “What? Joy that all my property is consumed?” “Oh, no,” he answered, “but joy that you have so much property that fire cannot touch.”

In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul said, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me: indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.”

Life is short. We just need a few things to get us through the here and now. Jack Exum talks about a song he would sing in the morning when he got up: “My needs are met, my needs are met, no need to fret, my needs are met.” I like that.

In Matthew 6:32-33, Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” It all comes down to this: Do you trust Him?

Hebrews 13:5, “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”

Here is a little poem for you:

“We squander health in search of wealth. We scheme and toil and save;
Then squander wealth in search of health and all we get’s a grave.
We live and boast of what we own—we die and only get a stone.”
-Anonymous

And one last thought:

“Money can buy you a bed, but it can’t buy you sleep.”

You want to be happy? Get the gratitude attitude, think on heaven daily, change your perspective and don’t seek after money.

One more installment to come....