We live in a world that has never had so much, yet we desire to have more. Nothing seems to satisfy the longing we feel to gain more. It is fair to say that we live in a world that is consumed by image, status, and celebrity. Among young people there is a culture to have the latest fashion, the newest mobile phone or to buy something just because a public figure has recommended the item. It seems the more we have the more discouraged we become. Some of the most depressed and miserable people in the world are some of the most financially wealthiest. They have fame, fortune, and favour yet they are not happy. So, what is the secret to a happy life? Can we truly be happy in this world? I believe we can be truly happy, even in the most difficult times. I believe the answer to happiness is not within us, nor is it found in material things. I am not saying that material things are wrong. What I am saying is this. No amount of money, wealth, fame, or any other material thing can bring lasting peace and happiness to the soul.

Before I go into the main body of this paper, I would like to give you an example. Many people today want the latest mobile phone. They enjoy the device and like to show it off to their friends. They love that phone until it is damaged, or it is no longer the most up-to-date model. I hope you see my point that many people spend most of their life seeking the approval of society. There is much godly wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 15:16 the Bible says, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure and turmoil with it.” The Bible teaches us that there is great turmoil in wealth, and it is better to fear the Lord, because there is contentment of spirit with God.

In Psalm 37:16 the Bible says, “Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.” Holy Scripture is clear, it is better to be a righteous man with very little than a wicked man with riches. There is more happiness in the godly life than the ungodly. The godly are satisfied with what they have in Christ. The wicked are always seeking and searching. They are never satisfied with what they have. This is why they gamble, play the lottery, and put their trust in earthly gain. A man’s happiness does not consist of heaps of gold or in vast wealth. The Bible teaches us that our happiness comes from the Lord Himself.

The words of Proverbs 23:4 puts this whole matter into the right perspective, “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.” Our jobs/work is the means of supporting ourselves and families. We are not to labour on to be rich. This kind of wisdom the Bible says to cease from. Rather our jobs are the means that God has designed for our good and the good of the family and society. If we live a life according to the ways of God, we have everything we need to have a happy, meaningful, and joyous life. This does not mean to say that we will not have bad days or testing times. We are still subject to this fallen world with all its sinful ways. But what I am saying is those who are godly leave this world knowing first that they will be with Christ in Heaven and have all their sin washed away.

Those who have children will tell you that no amount of money can buy the experience of being a mother or father. I am sure you have experienced moments in your life that were so precious that all the money in the world would not be able to buy that time in your life. This is just one of many ways that proves my whole point in this paper. Money cannot buy happiness. Money cannot replace a special memory or moment in your life. The message and moral of the lesson here is this. Stop chasing after money and start seeking the only One who can give you real, true, and lasting joy.

Here are some questions to consider.

1. In your Christian life is there a pattern of love towards the Lord and a growing desire to please Him?
2. Are you thankful and satisfied with what the Lord has provided?
3. What are your main goals, focus and priorities?
4. Is Christ really Lord of your life in every area?