Does More Money Really Make You Happier?

It has been said that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever noticed that most people who ever make that statement don't have any money? I have been brought up in a belief system that life is hard, and when you die you go to heaven (Paradise) or hell (not paradise). This is pretty common in America where most of us have been brought up with some Christian Theology.  But where did this belief come from as most of the people in the bible were extremely wealthy (Abraham, David, Solomon, Moses). I sometimes wonder why god would send anyone to hell, when most people on the planet are already living in hell. 2/3rds of the worlds population go to bed hungry every night, how much worse could it be than that? Most the preachers that preach on suffering, aren't suffering at all. They are living in their nicely insulated homes, with running water, plenty of food, and are by most measures of wealth as most every other Westener extremely wealthy in comparison to the rest of the world. So if it is ok for them to live much better than 2/3rds of the world. Why do they speak so down on earthly riches?

Here is what I believe and I look forward to your comments. Wealth is always good as money can create a number of different things that can help others. It can get your kids a better educations, it can put yourself in better health, it can help support ministries or good causes. It can give you a comfortable home and allow you to live in another country and learn that there is life outside of your world. It can allow you to have the financial resources to take care of your parents when they become old and unable to take care of themselves.

So when is money bad? Money is bad when you hoard it away all for yourself and don't share it with others. Money is bad if all you care about is more worldly posssessions and are taking advantage of others to get them. Money is bad if you think it is the only way to true happiness. Money is bad if getting it so important to you that you are willing to sacrifice all integrity to get it, or do something illegal.

Over the years I have been broke and been wealthy (at least compared to the rest of the world), I have been able to travel and live in exotic places, and send my kid to private school. I have been able to achieve childhood dreams and buy expensive automobiles.  I have also shared a one bedroom apartment with 2 other mates and had to call my dad to get my car fixed because the engine quit working.  On the flipside I have also seen what happens when you put your faith in money and your investments and real estate dwindle away. This is why so many Americans are so unhappy right now. They are seeing their livelihood disappear and for most this is where their hearts are. This is why I have never put off retirement and have done some pretty amazing things. There is a reason that Jesus said, "Do not put your faith in material things where moth and rust destroy". So I guess my lesson for today, is money isn't bad, as long as your heart is in the right place. Most people who have alot of money didn't pursue money, they just simply pursued their passion and the universe paid them back tenfold. In other words if you think money is difficult to come by and you are always hoarding it away. Guess what? You will probably never have it, or at least not enjoy it if you ever do get it.  The next time you look at the zeros on your bank account be grateful for what you have, as you never know when it all just might vanish.