Buying Happiness?

We can be content in Christ, even if our bank account or investment portfolio don't necessarily look like we think they should. We cannot purchase the resources of the Kingdom through earthly treasure, but we can put our earthly treasure to work for heavenly outcomes. Philippians 4 states:
(11) I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The Declaration of Independence states that we have been given by God "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  Notice that it says, "among these," meaning there are more than just those three. But, notice the source - the Creator, whom we know as Almighty God.  And, government is charged to uphold those God-given rights, not to interfere with them. 

So, if we are free to pursue happiness, what does that look like?  And, what is it worth?

USA Today reported on a survey that attempted to place, yes, a dollar value on happiness.  A recent article stated:

Financial advice website Cardrates.com found that 56% of Americans say they would be content with a liquid net worth of over $200,000 dollars.

The survey, comprised of 786 employed Americans who are between 18 and 43 years old, found that having money may not buy happiness, but a safety net does allow one not to worry about a financial emergency.

Jon McDonald, who wrote a summary of the survey, stated: "Knowing you’ve got money set aside can ease worries about future uncertainties, whether a medical emergency or a layoff," adding, "This peace of mind goes a long way in feeling happy overall."

So, a majority of these U.S. adults related happiness to financial security.  

And, the survey indicated that a higher salary would result in a higher level of money to make them happy.  USA Today stated: "Seventy-four percent of respondents currently making $40,000 said that they would be content making $150,000, compared to 64% of those who currently make $150,000."

McDonald said, "...people chase a higher income to achieve happiness, only to return to a baseline level of contentment after a short-lived boost."

This survey is of adults 18-43, which would encompass the Millennial generation and Gen Z, and there is a difference in those two generations' approach to finances.  The USA Today article states:

Seventy-five percent of millennial respondents surveyed said would feel content with a $150k salary, compared to 71% of Gen Z, whereas 84% of Gen Z respondents said they would be comfortable with a $1,000,000 liquid net worth compared to 81% of millennial respondents.

All in all, Millennials seem to be happier with higher salaries, while Gen Z is more interested in building wealth in the form of net worth. 

As McDonald writes on the Cardrate.com site, "$200k signifies financial freedom for many, especially when inflation is skyrocketing. This is a big jump from 2010 when the number associated with American happiness was $75k in yearly income."

But, attempting to put a price tag on happiness seems to be a rather subjective measure. You have to wonder, how much is enough?  Certainly, what we bring home and the amassing of net worth are important short- and long-term considerations.  But, does money really buy happiness?

Financial stability can certainly contribute to a reduction of anxiety.  Financial uncertainty can bring with it a lack of contentment.  But, the Apostle Paul taught that he had learned to be content with whatever he possessed.  He said we should not love money and shared principles about the true riches of the Kingdom of God. 

If we are looking to the things of this world to make us happy or even content, we are missing out on how God wants to move in our lives.  There are numerous intangibles that are available to us, and we should pursue the love of Christ and the production of the fruit of the Spirit.   We can gain contentment by relishing our relationships - with God, our families, our churches, and those with whom we interact. We can get charged up by serving in the name of the Lord.  

So, while God does not deny us the ability to work, to earn a living, and to build wealth, I think it's important to think about the "why?" - how God wants to use those resources with which He has blessed us for the furtherance of His Kingdom.