A new study in Britain has found a surprising answer to an old question, "How much is enough?" Yahoo Personal Finance in Britain surveyed 2,500 people of working age, and asked them to make a series of choices based on having all the money they needed. The results suggest that money, if you have enough, can buy a measure of happiness.

Based on the respondent's answers, the cost of contentment is around 2.66 million British pounds. That is a little over 3 million US dollars. The cost of contentment was calculated from the average value of the choices concerning which food, cars, vacations, etc, that people would “choose if money were no object.” Occupational stress consultant Carole Spiers says, "While money alone cannot buy you happiness, a lack of it can mean a more stressful, less fulfilled and ultimately less happy life."

The study found that women generally said they needed slightly more money than men to keep them happy. Unfortunately, the study also found it would take the average worker at an average pay rate, 94 years to accumulate the needed financial resources to achieve financial happiness.

—Reuters, January 8, 2004, Money can buy happiness, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV "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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

As the NFL begins to look toward the 2004 season, Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Jon Kitna says he believes he is exactly where God wants him. The Bengals renewed Kitna's contract through the 2005 season, even though they announced that second year quarterback Carson Palmer will take Kitna's place as starting quarterback this season.

Kitna was the only NFL quarterback to play all of his team's offensive plays in the 2003 season. He posted career highs in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says the new contract solidifies Kitna's position with the team. He says, "He is not only a very good player, he is one of our most positive team leaders."

Kitna has pledged his direct support to Palmer, his coaches and the team. He says, "I am looking forward to doing everything I can to make Carson's season go smoothly." He added, "It'll be great if I don't have to play much. But if I am called to go in there, I'm working in a system where I've had success and with coaches I know and respect." Kitna says his family is an important factor. He says he is happy in Cincinnati and does not really want to move his family around chasing jobs. Kitna said, "Jennifer (his wife) and I have prayed about this, and we feel this is exactly where God wants us to be."

—The Cincinnati Enquirer, Bengals extend Kitna's contract, Mark Curnutte, April 20, 2004, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness can be difficult. In an article published in Discipleship Journal, Karen O’Connor remembers how she discovered a simple way to count her blessings.

Karen says her husband and her oldest daughter were at odds with each other and her stepdaughter was growing distant and irritable. To make matters worse, her husband Charles lost his job, and Karen had a hard time finding the kind of work she wanted. Karen says that nothing was going the way she wanted she had dreamed. Her fairy tale life had been shattered.

A woman from their church invited Karen to attend a women’s prayer group. At that meeting, Karen met an elderly woman who listened to her concerns, and provided some good advice. The woman told Karen, “If you want to find contentment, focus on what you do have not on what you don’t. Start giving thanks every day—regardless of the circumstances.” She encouraged Karen to write her blessings on slips of paper and to keep them in a basket or bag. “From time to time, take a look at what you’ve written. No one can be discontented for long with so much to be thankful for.”

When Karen got home, she found a silver foil bag and printed the words “Our Blessing Bag” on a label and attached it. Karen says at first it was hard to imagine what they could be grateful for, but several months later the bag was overflowing, just as the woman had said. On Thanksgiving morning that year, Karen and her husband sat up in bed, and emptied the bag. Her husband said, “Let’s look at what the Lord has done. You first.”

The first slip reminded them of a surprise visit from some good friends. The next recalled a pleasant walk on the beach. One by one, Karen and her husband counted their blessings and found they had a lot to be thankful for. Karen says, in the years since, the blessing bag has helped them grow in gratefulness. Though their lives are not perfect, the family is filled with the grace and gifts of God. Karen writes, “Learning to count our blessings has brought joy to our lives we might not have known otherwise.”

—http://www,navpress.com, Discipleship Journal, Jan/Feb 2001, Issue 121, Blessings in a Bag, Karen O’Connor. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Philip. 4:11 NIV “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

In her book, Dancing in the Desert, Marsha Crockett writes, “God created us with a need to be fed and filled, yet out desires seemingly go unmet. In striving to find fulfillment, our longings may swing wildly out of balance into realms of addiction. Left unchecked, our misplaced contentment crashes into our empty lives as we attempt to fill up on treasures that devastate not only our pocketbooks but also our souls.”

—Dancing in the Desert, Page 20 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

1 Tim. 6:6 NASB “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.”

For more information on Dancing in the Desert, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0830823840/fm082-20

In his book, Every Second Counts, Lance Armstrong writes, “Maybe the difference between a boy and a grown man, and the difference between a chipped shoulder and nice smooth lines is the way you handle yourself when you don’t get what you want.”

—Every Second Counts, p. 71 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Philip. 4:11 (NASB) “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

For more information on “Every Second Counts” go to http://www.freshministry.org/books/armstrong.html

Marvin Lacy suffers from Parkinson’s disease. The disease often makes his hands tremble. Though he has this disease, when Marvin sits down to create his works of calligraphy, his hands are suddenly stable and still. Marvin says, “It’s a gift from God.”

Marvin says the key to his art is in the eyes, not his hands. He says, “The artist has to see what he wants to accomplish in the mind’s eye. If you can’t see what you wan to paint, you can’t paint it.”

Lacy’s faith influences what he sees. He says, “The Lord is important in my life. I wouldn’t want to leave out that aspect of my life. One of the sayings I’ve put into calligraphy is a philosophy I picked up. ‘I will make that which I do today important. I am exchanging a day of my life for it.’ I feel strongly about the message behind what I do, and the things that I write, even the fun things.” He adds, “ The scripture says that a merry heart does good like medicine. To me, that kind of stuff is fun.”

Lacy’s artistic ability covers a lot of ground. He is a retired church music director, a former country music disc jockey, and songwriter. Lacy says, “ At the end of the day I’m tired, but I feel good. I think God has allowed me to live a lot of experiences.”

—http://www.polkonline.com, Calligraphy teacher overcomes Parkinson’s with a ‘gift from God.’ November 26, 2002. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Martin has learned the secret of contented living the Apostle Paul spoke of.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV “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. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

The song says, money can't buy you love, but according to a new British study, it may buy some happiness. A new study in Britain suggests winning just a modest $1000 can be enough to change a person's view of life. Winning less than a $1,000,000 is not likely to have a lasting effect on a person's happiness. Researchers also discovered that a strong marriage and good health were more likely to make a person feel content than having extra money.

Professor Andrew Oswald, who led the research said, "We found a strong link between financial windfalls and being happy and having much better psychological health." Oswald admits, "A small amount of money is not going to solve a major health problem or solve a major psychological problem." He found that happiness in life followed a U shaped pattern. Most people begin life happy, become discontent in their early thirties, and then recover their happiness as they move into their sixties.

Money can't really buy happiness. The results of the survey are likely affected by a cultural mindset today that connects money with happiness and security.

Philippians 4:12-13 "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. I can do everything through him (Jesus Christ) who is my strength."

—http://news.bbc.co.uk, January 9, 2002. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

German officials say a man who won the lottery two years ago apparently decided he was better off supplementing his income as a thief than claiming state welfare benefits. A representative for the court said the man confessed to 60 offenses. After he frittered away the last of the 760,000 euro ($921,000 US) prize, he turned to robbery looting cars and houses for whatever he could find.

The court spokesman said the man quit his job after winning the lottery in 1997. He was too ashamed to go to the welfare office when the money ran out, so he turned to a life of crime instead. The official said, "He didn't want it known he'd spent it all." The man faces several years in prison.

—Reuters, Lottery winner turns thief after blowing cash, June 14, 2005. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV) "Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: [8] Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. [9] Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.'"

Andy Dappen, author of Shattering the Two-Income Myth says, "Your life can become less stressful, happier, more directed and fuller by embracing one simple idea, one that runs contrary to what we expect as Americans: you can't have it all."

—Reader's Digest, August 1999, p. 136. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Philippians 4:12 (HCSB) "I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."

In her book, "Who Put the Cat in the Fridge?", Rhonda Rhea writes, "In those days when parenting was simple and I had all the answers (yes, before the kids), I was convinced a parent could just insist that children be content and that would do it. Adding kids to the equation provided a new revelation: contentment has to be learned." "To build content kids, we have to start with content parents."

—"Who Put the Cat in the Fridge?", pg. 109, 111. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Phil. 4:11 NASB "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

In the 1940’s the Gallup organization started asking Americans how they approved of the job the President was doing. Since then they have asked about once a week. You would be interested to hear that the approval rating for each President has changed throughout his term or terms.

The July 21 issue of USA Today printed the following results:

George W Bush had a high of 90% and a low of 25%.

Bill Clinton had a high of 73% and a low of 37%.

George H. W. Bush had a high of 89% and a low of 29%.

Ronald Reagan had a high of 68% and a low of 35%

Jimmy Carter had a high of 75% and a low of 28

--http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/presidential-approval-tracker.htm Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Randy Langham

In the 60 year time period that was studied, every President, other than John F. Kennedy in his shortened term, had moments
when the majority of Americans approved of their work and other moments when they disapproved of their work.

Aren’t you glad your true success in life is not dependent on the approval of others? Otherwise you might drive yourself crazy. One day people approve of your work, and the next day they don’t. Seeking the approval of other people never satisfies.

Instead, seek the favor of God. Only His approval can produce true contentment

Galatians 1:10, NASB “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”

The man who became rich after founding McAfee, a company that produces computer antivirus software, has decided to get rid of many of his earthly belongings. An article in the New York Times reported John McAfee had lost a lot of wealth during the current recession, but his change of heart does not appear to be due to the economy. Last year, McAfee hosted an extraordinary giveaway at one of his properties in Colorado. He invited the community to come and take anything they wanted from a hangar, free of charge. Residents of the area confirmed McAfee gave away antique cars, paintings, suits, and furniture valued in the millions. He described the experience as great. McAfee said “I just made everyone welcome and it was a wonderful time.”

McAfee has continued to sell his property in several locations. The article in the New York paper generated hundreds of comments; most of them were unsympathetic and critical of the excessively rich. McAfee, who is described by friends as down-to-earth and generous, wrote a response to the paper expressing his heart. He said he agreed with many of the comments. He said, “I fully agree that I had little need for most of my toys. I spent money on houses that I seldom visited. I conspicuously consumed. …But I achieved a degree of economic success within a culture that was created by the world’s most excessive consumer society. I blindly accepted this culture.” When asked about his new net worth, McAfee commented, “Whatever we come out with, will still be more than I need, more than anybody needs.”

“More Than I Need” Magnate Selling off his N.M. property, Albuquerque Journal, August 26, 2009, Rene Romo. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (GW) “A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. (7) We didn't bring anything into the world, and we can't take anything out of it. (8) As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.”

Despite uncertainty in the job market, a recent survey found a majority of Americans report they are unhappy with their jobs. Worker dissatisfaction has been on the rise for the last twenty years. The new study, conducted for the Conference Board, found the job satisfaction levels are the lowest they have ever been. The survey reports that only 45 percent of workers say they are satisfied with their current work.

The reasons for job dissatisfaction include incomes that have not kept pace with inflation and the cost of health care cutting into take-home pay. Other major concerns affecting worker satisfaction include a lack of teamwork, and a failure to find their jobs interesting. Workers under the age of 25 reported the greatest degree of unhappiness, while workers between the ages of 25 to 34 were most satisfied with their work. Lynn Franco, co-author of the report, and director of the Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center say the trend is troubling because it will influence American productivity. Franco adds, “What’s really disturbing about growing job dissatisfaction is the way it can play into the competitive nature of the U.S. work force down the road and on the growth of U.S. economy; all in a negative way.”

--Americans’ job satisfaction falls to record low, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100105/ap_on_bi_ge/us_unhappy_workers; January 5, 2010, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

An interesting and satisfying job is a good thing to have, but we have to keep our perspective on the right thing. Only Jesus brings lasting satisfaction.

1 Timothy 6:7-9 (NAB) “For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. (8) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. (9) Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.”

Not many people get to retire in their 40’s—Varner was one of the lucky ones. Varner was a Strength and Conditioning Coach for Clemson University when they won the National Championship in 1981-82 and the ’82 Orange Bowl. He also coached athletes in the ’88, ’92 and ’94 Winter Olympics. His client list includes Bill Johnson, Debbie Armstrong, Picabo Street and Tommy Moe, who all took home gold and Hilary Lindh, Kyle Rassumsen and Diane Roffe who won silver medals. During those years he’d parlayed his earnings into a substantial nest egg by playing the options and futures market, and now he was ready to enjoy the good life.

Everything changed on October 27, 1997. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index fell and the Japanese Nikkei dropped 2%, resulting in a chain reaction around the world. London’s FTSE 100 Index dropped 2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the NASDAQ and the S&P 500 plummeted. After falling 350 points, the Dow halted trading for 30 minutes, when it resumed; it continued falling until they ended trading at 3:35 PM, closing early for the day. This “mini-crash” resulted in the Dow suffering its 3rd greatest loss in its 109 year history and Varner losing everything.

Varner decided to try something new. He wrote a book about health and fitness. It was published, but the company went bankrupt before he could make any real money off it. After searching for a way to make a living, The Pebble Beach Corporation hired him as their fitness director and promised to help him launch his fitness program on a national scale. With the prestige of the Pebble Beach name behind him, Varner believed this would be his big break. He worked at finding investors, tweaking his program and developing a business plan that included new books and infomercials. All was on track. The timing was right. Then hi-jacked airplanes hit the twin towers in New York on September 11, 2001. Subsequently, Varner’s investors pulled out and his dream faded.

Varner didn’t quit. Winners never do. He pressed on, working as a personal trainer while he beat the pavement trying to line up new investors. He held onto the small thread of hope that remained as he tried to restart the momentum necessary to secure investors and launch a national fitness program. Pushing was getting more difficult as Varner struggled to keep his family together. There was a point where his wife had enough. She didn’t want to live like this anymore. The time came when she walked out the door, never to return. Soon thereafter the President of Pebble Beach died and Varner’s dreams died with him. He’d lost his fortune. He’d lost his wife. He was losing hope.

This was Varner’s finest hour because he was desperate for God. It wasn’t riches, comfort or security he longed for anymore. He wanted God. He wanted to know that God was there and that He cared. If nothing else, it is a time when we learn to long for God–to be desperate for Him. Varner poured out his soul to the Lord

Prayer erupted from his core until his soul poured out before the Lord. It is easier to be in control, than out of control. It is easier to be needed than needy. It is easier to live with the illusion that everything is OK. But it wasn’t. Varner was living in an evil world where bad things happen, even to good people. That wasn’t going to change. Through these trials, he learned he couldn’t stop the bad, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t pursue his good God. Varner was desperate for God, totally dependent upon Him–vulnerable.

Eight months later, one of Varner’s colleagues from the Olympics called to see if he’d be interested in working in South Carolina with a developer who wants to incorporate wellness into the communities he’s building. Today Varner is implementing his wellness program and is doing well financially again. Here’s the advice he gives:

“Love God with all of your heart, and always be thankful in whatever situation you are in, whether you are rich, you are poor, you are weak or you are strong, whether you are healthy or you are sick, always be thankful. Also trust him, you don’t know what’s ahead, but the Lord does. Trust him to take care of you. Obey Him. He cares more about you than you could ever imagine. So stay true to the Lord.”

Varner isn’t greedy anymore. He’s content. God gave him the serenity to accept what he couldn’t change, and the courage to change what he could. And on the journey, he found contentment. He’s content with what he has, because he has all he really needs: God.

“My greatest accomplishment in life is my relationship with God,” Varner says, “That’s what has real meaning.”

--Soul Shaping: Disciplines that Conform you to the Image of Christ. Chapter 4. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson. For more information on Soul Shaping, go to www.soulshaping.net

Psalm 42:1-5 (HCSB) (1) As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. (2) I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? (3) My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” (4) I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. (5) Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.”

--The Week, March 26, 2010 p. 21. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

I suppose Mr. Franklin wasn’t thinking of the Apostle Paul when he wrote that answer to his question.

1 Timothy 6:8-9 (TEV) “So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. (9) But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction.”

Walt Disney’s The Princess and the Frog is a challenge to dig down deep in life and search out what we really need versus our dreams of what we want in life. Tiana grew up in a poor New Orleans neighborhood. Her father instilled in her a dream of one day opening a grand restaurant and jazz club. Tiana learned to work hard to achieve her dreams. She saved every extra penny in hopes of realizing her dreams after her father passed away. Tiana’s dream is threatened by the arrival of a playboy prince Naveen. The prince is on the verge of being cut off from his parent’s fortune, and has never had to work hard for anything.

Naveen and his squire get mixed up with dark forces, and Naveen is turned into a frog, while his squire bargains with the evil Dr. Facilier (a.k.a Shadow man) to take the Prince’s place and marry a rich man’s daughter, securing his future at the expense of others. The evil Shadow man in turn makes a deal with dark forces to take over the city, and give the souls of people to serve the forces of evil. When Naveen meets Tiana, and she is turned into a frog too.

During the course of their adventure, Tiana and Naveen discover that they need each other more than they thought. Naveen is willing to work hard to help Tiana’s dreams come true, and she starts to see that without her true love, her dreams mean nothing.

When Tiana is tricked into thinking she has been betrayed by Naveen, she faces the temptation to give up on her true love and what she needs, and pursue only her desires. The Shadow man has a talisman which holds sway over Prince Naveen’s life. Tiana is able to capture the object, and when she tries to break, the evil Shadow man comes to her with deceptive words that tempt her to give up what she needs in order to gain the things she thinks she wants. The crucial point is what will she decide, will Tiana break the power of evil that holds her prince and the people of the city captive, or will she take the empty promise of having her dreams fulfilled at the cost of losing everything else she holds dear.

Option I Play clip from The Princess and the Frog, Chapter 16 Mardi Gras Parade, 1:18:09 to 1:21:06 and make application

As Tiana flees from Dr. Facilier, she is cornered by the forces of evil. She holds the Talisman and threatens, “Back off or I’m going to break this thing into a million pieces.” Facilier uses his magic to try and trick Tiana into giving up her prize. First, he grants her wish to be human again, and then allows her to see her dream as reality. The Shadow man provides a vision of the club Tiana and her father had dreamed of. As she takes it all in, Facilier begins, “Now isn’t this a whole lot better than hopping around the bayou for the rest of your life?”

Tiana is able to whisper, “Shadow man,” as the temptation continues. He walks toward her and says, ”I’ve got to hand it to you Tiana. When you dream, you dream big. Just look at this place, the crown jewel of the Crescent City.” He pauses, then slyly adds, “And all you got to do to make this a reality is hand over that little ole talisman of mine.” Tiana is briefly tempted, then responds, “No! This is not right.” Facilier continues to entice his victim. “Come on now darling. Think of everything you’ve sacrificed.” He replays Tiana’s memories of the treatment she endured from her friends because she chose to work hard rather than good out and have fun with them. Facilier shows more memories, and adds, “Think of all the naysayers who doubted you.” As the progression of bad memories winds down, Facilier opens the curtains and reminds Tiana of her father.

“And don’t forget your father,” he taunts. “Now that was one hard working man. Double, sometimes triple shifts, never letting on how tired and beat-down he was.” Tiana’s eyes grow wide as the memories flood her mind, and Facilier sets his hook. “Shame all that hard work didn’t amount to much more than a busted up old gumbo pot. The dream that never got off the back porch.” He smiles, and continues, “Come on Tiana, almost there.” As Facilier reaches for the talisman, Tiana mutters, “My daddy never did get what he wanted …” She pauses as she pictures the family embracing each other. “But he had what he needed.” With renewed resolve, Tiana confronts the evil doctor. “He had love. He never lost sight of what was really important, and neither will I!” She throws the Talisman trying to break it, but fails. Facilier grabs it. Thinking he has won, he dissolves the vision, and turns Tiana back into a frog. “ Y’all should have taken my deal.” He chuckles, and says, “Now you’ll spend the rest of your life as a slimy little frog.” With a new strength, Tiana responds, “I got news for you Shadow man, It’s not slime. It’s mucus.” She uses her tongue and takes the Talis back, and then smashes it, destroying the power of evil once and for all.

-- The Princess and the Frog, Chapter 16 Mardi Gras Parade, 1:18:09 to 1:21:06 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Application: Dreams are important, but we must keep them in perspective. When circumstances press us, we need to dig deep and examine needs versus wants. Having a strong family and love are more important than seeing all our dreams fulfilled. This is the secret of contentment.

Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV) “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me. “

Ronald Wayne says he is happily living on a retirement pension in a remote California desert town. With two friends in the early 1970’s, Wayne had a 10% share of a new computer company startup. He decided that he didn’t want to be a part and sold his 10% for $1,500. Even though the partner’s names were Jobs and Wozniak, and the company was Apple, and the shares today would be worth $23 billion, he is neither bitter, nor sorry. If I would have stayed in the partnership, Wayne says, “I’d have been the richest man in the cemetery.” Responding to questioning Wayne says, “Would l like to be rich? Everybody would like to be rich.”

--The Week May 14, 2010, p. 10, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Timothy 6:8 (NASB77) “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”

A factory in southern China manufactures iPhones for Apple and PC’s for Dell has experienced a rash of suicides and attempted suicides in the last few months. In searching for an explanation the answer most often given is the poor pay. The company does not pay its workers enough for them to afford the items they are producing.

--The Week , June 11, 2010, p. 42 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

The desire for things we have seen is one of the primary causes of materialism. It must be harder when you handle them day after day without being able to afford them.

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (NIV) "But 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."

Paul tells us that the combination of Godliness and Contentment produces great wealth. Our sanity depends on our desiring the right things.

A study by Belgian Psychologists have proved, well may have furthered the theory, that money cannot buy happiness. In fact, they say, it may be just the opposite. The study gave evidence that richer people aren’t as capable as poorer ones of savoring small pleasures. The small pleasures were simple things like a piece of chocolate or the thought of completing a task or enjoying a hike.

--The Week, June 18, 2010 p. 22. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Not only is the love of money the root of all evil, the presence of money may be the root of discontentment. We do know that real wealth is the presence of contentment with godliness.

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV) "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Envy is one of the sins we are warned about repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments. For an example, look at the list of fleshly sins in Gal. 5:21. Perhaps one of the reasons the Spirit continually warns us of such friends is what envy does to us. Forbes quotes editorial cartoonist Frank Tyger as saying, “The chief barrier to happiness is envy.”

--The Week, August 6, 2010 p. 17 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

When we look at others, see what they have, and become envious we find a quick road to unhappiness. Contentment with just the essentials is much to be desired, and is even related to godliness.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (HCSB) But godliness with contentment is a great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

Having a shiny new car is often a status symbol in American society. A Wisconsin woman’s exercise of frugality regarding her car has also become a status symbol of sorts. In the summer of 1957, a trusted mechanic told Grace Braeger the differential on 1950 Chevrolet was making a strange noise and would probably fail soon. She decided it was time for a new car, so Braeger traded in her old car and paid $2250 cash for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air with 4,000 miles on it. The black four-door sedan was advanced for its time, equipped with power steering and brakes, a 283-cubic inch V8 engine with 4 barrel carburetor, and Turboglide automatic transmission.

Braeger drove it off the lot, and hasn’t stopped driving it since. The car fit her needs and it lasted through careers as a deaconess, and later a fund raiser. In 1967, the transmission failed, and in the late 1970s Braeger thwarted a thief who was seconds away from stealing the car. Braeger had the car restored a few years ago, and still drives it, though it has 116,000 miles on it, and gets 10 miles to the gallon. Braeger said, “I choose to keep the car all these years because I had no reason to give it up. I had no major problems with it, and everybody liked it. It was so popular.” When asked why she thought the car had lasted so long, Braeger answered, “I was raised during the Depression, and we learned to take care of things. I think that’s had a major bearing on my still having the car today. People don’t know how to take care of cars. Many people have told me, ‘I had a ’57 Chevy, and I wish I had kept it.”

--’57 Chevy is in showroom shape, http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/103836464.html, September 26, 2010, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Philippians 4:12-13 (NASB) “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

How do we share the Biblical teaching of happiness and contentment in the current culture of greed and materialism?

One study by Princeton University economists found that while money can buy some happiness, the negative effects, including more responsibility, more pressure to perform, and more stress, outweigh the possible benefits. “In that larger sense, the study found, money does not buy happiness; it can, in fact, buy more worry, anxiety, and aggravation.”

--The Week, September 24, 2010 p. 24 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (NASB77) “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. (7) For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. (8) And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (9) But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”

When Ray Fisman landed his first job after college, it was for a salary greater than all the money he had earned in his life up to that point. According to his own testimony, He was content, until the moment he discovered how much more other people just like him were earning. Then he said, “my monthly paychecks began eating away at my soul.”

--The Week, October 15, 2010, p. 48 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

This is the essence of coveting. We cannot be happy with what we have when we want what someone else has. Not only do we break the 10th commandment, (Exodus 20:17) we negate one of the biggest advantages of godliness.

1 Timothy 6:6 (NASB77) “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.”

“In July, Violet and Allen Large of Lower Truro, Nova Scotia, won more than $11 million in a lottery.”

They know that money cannot buy happiness. “Violet is undergoing cancer treatments which has underscored for the couple the limits of wealth.”

Beyond just the words, the Larges live contentedly. They gave the entire $11 million away. “They gave it to a list of causes that included the local fire department, hospitals, and organizations that fight cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.”

The Larges tell us, “That money that we won was nothing,” said Allen, 75. “We have each other.”

--The Week, November 19, 2010 p. 4 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Timothy 6:7-10 (NIV) (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (9) 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. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

After years of pushing economic growth and encouraging their fellow citizens that getting rich is glorious, the Chinese government is changing their tune. Communist Party rulers recently rolled out a new economic slogan, “Be happy.” The Chinese Premiere announced the new measure of progress saying the government’s goal was to make prosperity more “balanced.” The more serious purpose behind the new approach appears to be lowering economic growth targets to a reasonable 7 percent rate. Without the new targets, official fear there will be public backlash against rising prices, unemployment, and other economic woes.

The government has gun using what are termed “happy testimonials” from workers who say they are contented with their lives as teachers, and factory workers. Surveys among the Chinese people suggest the reaction thus far is mixed, but other sources indicate 74 percent of the people reported being either happy or very happy. Party Secretary of Guangdong province added his voice to the call for balanced contentment saying, “Happiness for the people is like flowers. The party and the government shall create the proper environment for the flowers to grow.”

--China tries to cure a happiness deficit, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/china-tries-to-cure-a-happiness-deficit/2011/05/10/AFUtIL4G_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage ; May 15, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Proverbs 30:7-9 (CEV) There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: (8) Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. (9) If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.

American women, who in the 1930’s owned an average of nine outfits, today buys more than 60 pieces of new clothing per year.

--The Week, June 24, 2011 p. 20 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Philippians 4:12-13 (NASB) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Ingrid Bergman says, “Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.”
--The Week, February 11, 2011 p. 21 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NASB) (6) But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. (7) For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. (8) If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (9) But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Some of China’s richest entrepreneurs seem to have everything they could want. One millionaire admitted the economy is booming, his influence is spreading, and his firm is building modern skyscrapers in Beijing. Though things are going well economically, this millionaire says there is only one thing he wants, an opportunity to leave the country. The millionaire who spoke on the condition that his name not be revealed, for fear of economic reprisal, said he wants to protect his assets and wants a second child, which is forbidden in China.

The anonymous millionaire is part of growing group of newly rich in China who envy the freedom in West. Many of these people are increasingly investing abroad to get a foreign passport to make international business and travel easier, and provide a way out of China. The United States and Canada are the most popular destinations for Chinese emigrants, which most praising the educational and healthcare systems. Though the Chinese government has opened to greater economic freedom and raised the standard of living, the government has not effectively dealt with problems of pollution, and food contamination, and has kept tight controls on daily life. The particular millionaire who is seeking to emigrate said, “In China, nothing belongs to you. Like buying a house, you buy it but it will belong to the country 70 years later. He added, “But abroad, if you buy a house, it belongs to you forever.”

--Top of Chinese wealthy’s wish list? To leave China, http://www.chron.com/business/article/Top-of-Chinese-wealthy-s-wish-list-To-leave-2159503.php ; September 7, 2011, Illustraton by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

This is just another reminder that riches and power are not the greatest things to seek in life.

Matthew 13:44 (CEV) The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when someone finds treasure hidden in a field and buries it again. A person like that is happy and goes and sells everything in order to buy that field.

The Census Bureau recently reported that nearly 1 in 6 Americans fall below the poverty line, which it establishes at an annual income of $22,314 for a family of four. The actual number is 46.2 million, which the government says would be 69.7 million if not for government programs.

A survey by the Heritage Foundation discovered 83% of those families have enough to eat, and 41% own their own home. 80% have air conditioning, 75% own a car or truck, and 33% own more than one car or truck.

No one wants to denigrate the poor, keep them poor, or blame them for wanting to improve their lot in life, but we do need to examine our own lives and determine if we are following Biblical standards of contentment.

1 Timothy 6:8-10 (NASB) “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (9) But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

David Kim is a successful businessman, author, and Christian. Working long and hard Kim built his business into a consortium that operates restaurant chains including Sweet Factory, La Salsa, Cinnabon, Denny’s, and Baja Fresh. David Kim had worked hard and became very successful but when his father died he began to reevaluate his priorities in life. “I regret not spending enough time with him.”

Kim says success is like riding a Harley Davidson. “It’s dangerous, yet you want everyone to get on. . . . You think that you are riding success and that your wife and kids are in the back. But when you look back, your wife is gone and your kids are just barely holding on.”

Kim has stepped down from his responsibilities as CEO so that he can spend more time with his family. Kim now eats dinner with his wife and children and watches his 7th grade son’s ball games.

--World, January 14, 2012 p. 67 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

People will have different answers to that question. For some, one TV is plenty, for others they need one in every room. For some, beans and rice will do, for others oversized portions of meat is necessary for every meal

For some, a couple of cats are plenty, but not for a woman in Beersheba, Israel—she is willing to part with her husband instead of pare down her herd of 550 cats that share their home. You heard me right—550 cats and her husband wants a divorce. UPI.com reports that “The couple tried to reconcile as ordered by the rabbinical court; however, the wife was not able to part from her cats and instead decided to part with her husband.”

--http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2012/05/27/Couple-splits-over-wifes-550-cats/UPI-98981338138685/ Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Things can strain relationships. This case is extreme—most of you likely relate to the husband’s point of view instead of the wife’s. Objectively, that’s an easy call. However, it is a harder to see when things get in the way of our relationships with one another and with God. That’s why we need to foster contentment instead of collecting more and more things. Relationships, not things are important.

Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB) “Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Researchers in California says they have surveyed men aged 50 to 99 and asked them to rank how they feel on a scale of one to ten. The average response was 8.2, not quite what the researchers had expected. The survey was designed to focus on older people who were not predisposed to disability or illness, but not necessarily healthier than the average person. Researchers say the findings agree with earlier research that found people tend to be depressed in idle age and become happier as they get older. They speculate the reason is as people age they have grappled with a lot of the burdensome issues of life, and learn to take things in stride. The authors of the study concluded people are able to cope with stressful things better as they age. They wrote, “Increasing resilience and reducing depression might have effects on successful aging as strong as that of reducing physical disability.”— Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Good news about aging: Get older, feel better, study finds, http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/06/15736277-good-news-about-aging-get-older-feel-better-study-finds?lite, Accessed December 6, 2012.

Matthew 6:27 (ESV) And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

When Apple released the iPhone 5 in the fall of 2012, iPhone 4 users had to answer the question: upgrade or pass? It appears that the major advancement between the two is a larger screen size and panoramic photographs—not exactly earth-shaking changes.

Nevertheless, the temptation to upgrade is still there. We understand that broken things need to be replaced. Maybe even outdated things, but often times, decisions to upgrade are not driven by what is needed, but by what is wanted—the newest, biggest and best. Maybe that’s why they call us consumers. We are pac men gobbling up dots while we run through a maze.—Jim L. Wilson and Phillip Chung

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2206600/iPhone-5-release-date-What-set-fans-soon-theirs-Why-tear-pieces-course.html (accesssed 10/27/12)

How about you? Have you learned to be content with what you have, or are you caught up in the relentless pursuit of more?

Philippians 4:11 (HCSB) I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Archeologists digging in an ancient garbage dump dating to the 5th and 6th centuries say they are puzzled by what they have uncovered. Professors Oren Tal and Moshe Ajami say the dig outside of modern Tel Aviv has yielded the usual fragments of pottery and glass, as well as animal bones. They admit they are puzzled over the large number of “usable items” they have found. The dig has produced intact lamps, gold coins, and jewelry. The professors say those kinds of things are generally used and not intentionally thrown away. They believe the find may indicate some kind of intentional act of sacrifice by the citizens of the ancient community. One of the finds was a ring with excerpts from a version of the Old Testament may indicate the community was more religious than previously thought. --Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

History's dumping ground: 400 Byzantine coins, gold jewelry found discarded in refuse pit, http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/08/13/history-dumping-ground-400-byzantine-coins-gold-
jewelry-found-discarded-in/?cmpid=NL_SciTech, Accessed August 13, 2013.

1 Timothy 6:6 (CEV) And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have.

When she was growing up during the Great Depression, Barbara Beskind dreamed of being an inventor. It took 80 years, but Beskind has finally landed a job at a top design firm in Silicon Valley. Beskind says in the Depression, ingenuity was a life requirement, but her hopes were dashed when a guidance counselor advised her that engineering schools did not accept female students. Instead she served an occupational therapist, wrote books, and learned to paint. Then, two years ago, she saw that the design firm had an opening, so she applied. She worked hard through the process and finally landed the job. Beskind said, “As a 10-year-old I wanted to be an inventor. I’ve arrived. But it took me about 80 years.”—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell.

'Age is not a barrier': Tech designer, 91, lands her dream job in Silicon Valley, http://www.today.com/money/age-not-barrier-tech-designer-91-lands-her-dream-job-2D80518851, Accessed February 27, 2015.

Psalm 37:4 (HCSB) Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.

The entire Thanksgiving weekend used to be a time for families to be together. Then came Black Friday—a day to get good deals for clothing and electronics. Today, many are staying home again, due to the increase of violence. In the Chicago area, in 2013, a police officer shoots a thief at a Kohl’s Department store. A Target customer in Las Vegas wrestles a big-screen TV back from a thief right outside the store and then is shot by the thief. At Claypool Hill, one man knifes another over a parking space dispute outside of Wal-Mart. At another Wal-Mart in Passaic, a man argues with another shopper over a big screen television and attempts to punch a police officer who gets in-between them. There are more stories, but you get the picture. They are all the same, violence over desiring material things, because of greed and lack of contentment. –Jim L. Wilson & Peter Lee

- http://nypost.com/2013/11/29/cop-shoots-shoplifter-near-chicago-amid-black-friday-chaos-others-hurt-around-country/

1 Timothy 6:6-11 (HCSB) But godliness with contentment is a great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. (9) But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (11) But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Los Angeles Clippers Forward Josh Smith will be taking a pay cut this year. “I do have a family, so it’s going to be a little harder on me this year. But I’m going to push through it.” You would find it difficult too, I am sure, if you had to get by on only $6.9 million this year.

It doesn’t matter how much money we have; real contentment resides inside. If you can’t be content with what you have, you probably won’t be content with a lot more. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Timothy 6:8-9 (HCSB) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. (9) But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.

CONTENTMENT

Gillian Bayford worked nights in a hospital. Her husband worked days at his second-hand record shop. Then they won 148 million pounds in a British lottery. 15 months later, their marriage has “broken down irretrievably.” The divorce is final. In addition, Ms. Bayford, wept as she told how the windfall has torn her family apart. Instead of the happiness, they expected to find she says she no longer speaks to her parents or her brother. It is all about the money now.

Real wealth, The Apostle Paul tells young Timothy, comes with godliness and contentment. Perhaps instead of buying a lottery ticket we should practice the habits that bring godliness and count our blessings instead of dreaming for more. –Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/5272883/148m-lottery-jackpot-winners-divorce.html

In THANKS! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. writes, “Gratitude is the realization that we have everything that we need, at the moment.” —Jim L. Wilson

Philippians 4:11 (HCSB)“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”

In THANKS! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. writes, “It is also easy to see how gratitude can have a difficult time surviving in a culture that celebrates consumption. But in gratitude we recognize that we are not ultimately producers and consumers but, above all, the recipients of gifts.” —Jim L. Wilson

Philippians 4:11 (CSB) “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.”

When psychotherapist Andrey Zhelvetro has a troubled patient, he has an unusual cure. He buries them alive. He puts them in coffins and buries them in shallow graves in the woods. They have a rubber pipe that runs to the surface so they can breathe. After two hours, he digs them up. Patients come out of the grave with a new appreciation for life. One client said, “When I got out of the coffin, I felt as if I had become a new person.”

I suppose just about any situation we find ourselves in would be better than being buried alive. I am not suggesting Dr. Zhelvetro’s solution, but we can usually find something good about whatever situation we are in. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

A survey by the Gallup organization found that 86 percent of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in their personal lives. More than half of the people who responded reported they were “very satisfied” with their life. The organization said the latest results are consistent with numbers taken over the past five years. The poll found the number of people between the ages of 18 and 29 who were “very satisfied” declined by 17 percent, while the number of older people who were very satisfied had climbed to 68 percent from a low of 46 percent 8 years ago. In a statement, the Gallup organization said, “The vast majority of Americans have been content with the direction of their lives over the last 40 years Gallup has tracked this measure, with satisfaction dipping only as low as 73 percent in July 1979 during the energy crisis.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/02/05/Gallup-poll-86-percent-of-Americans-satisfied-with-their-personal-lives/8211549410877/

A unique piece of art at a Florida gallery recently sold for $120,000. The work entitled, THE COMEDIAN, by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan consisted of a banana duct taped to a wall. The founder of the gallery, Emmanuel Perrotin said the artist designed the piece to make the viewer consider how objects move through the world. Perrotin said, “Whether affixed to the wall of an art fair booth or displayed on the cover of the New York Post, his work forces us to question how value is placed on material goods. The spectacle is as much a part of the work as the banana.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

In his book Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, Timothy Keller says, “It is remarkable that in all of his writings Paul’s prayers for his friends contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances.”

In Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, Donald Miller writes, “In 2013, the soap company Dove released a series of short films featuring women who were the subjects of an FBI-trained forensic artist. Without actually seeing the women, the artist would draw each woman based on how she described herself. Later, the artist would draw the same woman based on how a stranger described her. The reveal was shocking. The sketches drawn from the stranger’s description were always more beautiful than the ones in which the women described themselves. The point: many women don’t realize how beautiful they are. The ad was an attempt to help women accept themselves and find greater contentment in their intrinsic beauty.” —Jim L. Wilson