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by Dennis Wheeler
I really like an editorial by Mark Taylor that I read in the 'Christian Standard'. I'll share a portion of it with you...
"Can money buy happiness?
Most Christians answer 'no' and surprisingly, secular research comes to the same conclusion. The October 6 Time magazine carried a short piece by columnist Jean Chatzky on data gathered for her new book, You Don't Have To Be Rich. The book reports that for most Americans, an extra $1000 or even 10 times that amount 'isn't going to bring lasting happiness."
One line from the column stands out: "Money can make us miserable." It seems that people worry about their money; they feel they don't have control over it, and that makes them nervous. Chatzky says simple steps like paying bills when they arrive or keeping the checkbook balanced can give a person peace of mind.
Scores of Christians could add an additional suggestion for financial security: TRY REGULAR GIVING. Many Christians claim that their finances never got in order until giving became part of their weekly routine. After giving 10 percent to God, they better manage what's left. They see that spending doesn't need to equal income; this discovery leads to a feeling of security and this security is another word for happiness. This is why most of us are happier after returning a portion of our money to God than when we spent it all on ourselves.
Can money buy happiness? Maybe. When you give it away. And when you submit all of your finances to God's control.
The Bible says, 'Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6:6-9 - NIV)
Need a good dose of happiness? Try giving!!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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