In today’s world, the pursuit of money and happiness often go together.
Most people believe that when they accumulate wealth, they will have a content and fulfilling life.
They assume that money will solve all of their problems.
What is the Connection between Money and happiness?
Money contributes to happiness when it helps us meet our basic needs,
but the research tells us that above a certain level, more money doesn’t actually yield more happiness.
This is according to Gethin Nadin, the best-selling HR Author and Top Global Employee Experience Influencer 2019 and 2020
As human beings, we tend to compare ourselves to our peers.
You will feel unhappy when you see former classmate doing better financially,
even though you were smarter than him in class…
But again, when you experience some level of increase in your money,
your aspirations and expectations tend to rise.
You will face the temptation to buy things you don’t even need just to please people.
And believe you me this may mark the beginning of your financial pitfall.
Money and Happiness at your Workplace
When in pursuit of money, it’s important to make sure
that it brings a sense of meaning and purpose into your life.
In your workplace,find something that taps your strength,
i.e., the values you want to add to the world.
It should be rewarding other than its pay.
Recent research done in Kenya by Gallup showed that 83% of employees
were not happy with their jobs, which are their source of income.
“Gallup’s research into well-being at work finds that having a job you hate
is worse than being unemployed,
and those negative emotions end up at home,
impacting relationships with family.
If you’re not thriving at work, you’re unlikely to be thriving at life,”
says Jon Clifton, CEO at Gallup. (source: Business Daily)
According to studies, having a meaningful job will not only make you happier,
but it will also make you more productive.
You can choose to be happy with your money by spending it on experiences,
i.e., helping those in need, rather than on items.
Research also shows that making lots of money
will not necessarily boost your level of happiness.
The joy you get from your money will depend
on how you choose to spend, save, invest,
and even your money mindset.
This article will help explore the relationship between money and happiness
from a Christian perspective.
Seeking True Happiness: A Christian Perspective on Money
At some point in life, we have asked ourselves who we are
and why we exist based on our money.
Fortunately, Christians have been given the highest honor of being called
to be a powerful tool in changing the world.
We have to see money and happiness through a lens
that aligns with Bible teachings for Christ.
So to start, let’s look at Bible verses that will help guide us on this spiritual journey
in regards to our finances.
5 Key Bible Verses on Wealth and Contentment
a) 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
Some people,eager for money,have wondered from the faith
and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
We should let money be a blessing
and not a source of happiness.
Money on its own is not inherently evil.
When you love money and make wealth a priority over spiritual values,
you end up with problems.
As Christians, we have to view money as a tool
that we can use to do good things in this world.
Money is a blessing from God,
and we should use it to provide for our needs.
Remember that your wealth is a gift from God,
and you should manage it wisely,
with gratitude and responsibility.
b) Matthew 6:19–20 (NIV)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy
and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy
and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
We should give priority to eternal wealth over our worldly possessions.
Even in our constant pursuit of material wealth,
it should not overshadow the spiritual wealth
and blessings that are eternal.
We should focus more on building a strong relationship with God,
even as we accumulate wealth here on earth.
Our faith and spiritual growth should be our main concern,
not the accumulation of material possessions
c) Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)
“Honour the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
We should trust God for provision
and acknowledge Him as our ultimate source of money and happiness.
This can bring the peace and joy we desire into our lives.
We invite God’s blessings into our lives when we honor Him with our finances.
d) Philippians 4:11–12 (NIV)
“Am not saying this because I am in need.
I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.”
We have to be content in all circumstances.
Our contentment as believers has its roots in the relationship we have with Jesus Christ,
no matter our financial status.
You will only find true happiness in being content with what you have.
Whether you have money in abundance or are in a season of need,
e) Acts 20:35 (NIV)
“In everything I did, i showed you that by this kind of hard work,
we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:
It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
We are encouraged to be generous and share with others.
When you give or share with others,
either through financial resources or acts of kindness,
you experience immense joy and happiness.
In Christianity, there is this call to love our neighbors
and serve those in need, and that is generosity.
When you share your blessing with others,
you are on the right path to finding happiness in Christ.
The 4 Basic Purposes of Money, According to God
To have a clear view of how money can be used in the work of God,
i.e., in our lives and those of others around us,
we have to understand these purposes.
1.) To Provide for Your Basic Needs.
God, in his loving care,
has always provided for your shelter, food, and clothes.
As long as you have these basic needs,
your life becomes simple, and it allows you to mature in:
i) How you trust God daily for provision.
ii) The way you live within your means, as you are always content with what you already have.
iii) How you deepen your love for God, since it is His mercy that keeps you going.
iv) Being grateful and experiencing financial abundance.
2) To Validate a Direction
God provides money to each one of us according to his riches.
These often confirm the directions for the decisions you make with your money.
That’s why it is always important to seek God’s direction
in whatever he has called you to do.
Find out from God what he wants you to accomplish
and how your money can best serve that purpose.
You may be thinking of giving your piece of land to a church,
but God may see it best if you build a home for orphans.
When he leads you, he will surely provide the much-needed resources.
You will be rewarded as long as you work hard and put your trust in Him.
All you have to do is have your vision and faith built on him,
receive Jesus Christ as your lord and Savior,
manage your spending habits,
focus on true riches, and be patient.
3) To Bless Him and Others: Money and Happiness
We are supposed to use our wealth,
our God-given abilities,
and our knowledge for the purposes God has ordained for us in his glory here on earth.
As a Christian, you need money to pay your tithe.
You have to give a tenth of your earnings to God through your local church.
We also have to give to those in need.
4) Money and Happiness are used to Demonstrate God’s power.
God provides money in a way you cannot tell.
He does it so timely that all the glory returns to Him.
And this is to show his mighty power over everything under the sun.
Conclusion: Choose to Balance Money and Happiness.
As Christians, we should always base our pursuit of happiness on our faith in God,
not on the accumulation of wealth.
View money as a tool to bless others and meet your needs,
but not as the primary source of your happiness.
We find true joy and contentment in our relationship with God,
our willingness to share with others, and our trust in His provision.
On this path, we can find the happiness that supersedes the pleasures of material wealth
and that embraces the eternal riches of faith.
You can choose to be happy with your money by choosing to spend it on experiences,
i.e., helping those in need, rather than on items.
