An article by Mary Stringini on ktvu.com (7-1-22) had some distressing news: “If you want to know how much money you need to make to be happy living in California, the simple answer is "a lot." A survey from Purdue University and GoBankingRates.com found that you need a minimum annual salary of $149,310 to be happy in California, citing "California’s notoriously high cost of living…The study also noted that the ideal income for "life satisfaction" in North America is $105,000…Which states require a higher salary than California in order to be happy? Only New York and Hawaii. In New York, the minimum salary needed to be happy is $155,610. Whereas in Hawaii, you need to be making over $202,965 in order to be happy, the survey found.”
There you have it. No wonder there are so many cranky people around. It’s merely a lack of cash. It’s too bad the Scriptures didn’t get the memo. The Bible has a different perspective on the matter. Jesus Himself said these words: “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). The preacher of Ecclesiates tried much in the search for happiness and found that money wasn’t the answer: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity” (Ecclesiastee 5:10).
If money could assure happiness, there would be no bitter, reclusive millionaires. But we know better, don’t we? By way of contrast, the Bible links joy to things like repentant sinners (Luke 15:7,10,32), unity (Philippians 2:2), suffering for the kingdom (Philippians 2:17, James 1:2), faithfulness (3 John 4), and the proclamation of Christ (Philippians 1:18) -- all things that have no direct connection to money.
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude” (Denis Waitley).
God loves you!
Mike
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