“When I hear someone say, “Money can’t buy happiness”, my first instinct is to wonder from what mindset they are operating. Those that have had all the material conveniences and luxuries one can buy, might (if they are lucky) come to realize that all the “things” in this world can’t buy happiness. And they are eager to shout to the world their new found realization!
What they are often not aware of is that, while yes, money can’t buy happiness, neither can poverty. The dangerous implication here is that people who have never had their basic needs met, simply need to be happy in their lack. (I wonder how happy they would be if their bellies were empty or they couldn’t feed their children).
Having enough to reliably take care of basic needs can do wonders for personal happiness. But until all of us are living with what we need, no one can truly be “happy.””
—Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network
To learn more: www.faithandmoneynetwork.org
[I am aware that the gospel reading this week is not focused solely on possessions and money, that it has a deeper context about surrender, but our culture, and the majority of churches, stray away from talking openly about money. At Faith and Money Network, as well as with Bread of Life Church, talking about money, and disclosing with every member the full details of our finances, is what sets us apart, as well as what draws us closer together. What is considered taboo, is for us, a doorway to deeper relationship and to being released from the bondage and baggage that money and possessions can bring. Jesus said more about money and possessions than anything else in all the gospels, except the Kingdom of God. –Jim Marsh, Jr.]
Going thru my emails this am. This inward/outward reflection by Mike and Jim was following my an invitation from my financial planning firm – Thrivent. Was Lutheran but has opened up to Christians . .the invitation :
Join Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC’s Today Show, to learn about Women And Money: Creating a Joyful, Less-Stressed, Purposeful (And, Yes, Rich) Life.
When it comes to finances, women are different with what we want to do with our money, and what it needs to do for us. With Jean’s help, you’ll better understand your relationship with money and how to use the rewards you may reap to accomplish the things you want most.
I was disturbed by both of these emails in different ways.
Mary Fields