Life is not defined by what you have

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I hope you will as well.

During my morning devotion I began to think about what defines life. What determines success? Can you BUY happiness? I would like to share with you today a truth from God's Word that helps answer these three questions.

Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot. Luke 12:15

Money can't buy happiness! Regardless of how much you have, it's never enough. Fear will always whisper, "unless you get more, you won't be secure." If money brought happiness, wouldn't the rich be happier than everybody else? Yet studies consistently show their happiness levels are only slightly above average, and in many cases, far below it. Despite what you've been conditioned to think, happy people don't follow money - they follow their passion - for that's what gives their lives meaning. Often I read about a sports star that makes millions of dollars a year being unhappy with his salary, his playing time, his coach, his team, etc. He is just an overall miserable person. I have also read about some of these same millionaires being addicted to drugs or alcohol to help cover the pain that is in their life. I believe it is very apparent that "life is not defined by what you have" but by "who you are becoming."

The Bible says, "Don't be obsessed with getting more material things"
(Hebrews 13:5). Wealth-based happiness is a weakness indulged by insecure people who are afraid to look inside and face their real fears. It's a mistake to think that wealth buys a life of freedom, status or worldly power. Take freedom for example: the rich usually become wealthy by sacrificing their freedom and leisure time. And status? That's a slippery slope too, because no matter how far you climb there's always somebody ahead of you. And worldly power? Well, when that increases, you generally lose control of your life because of all the people you have to please and obligations you have to fulfil.

When you pursue your God-given purpose, money is secondary. Your real status symbols are salvation, spiritual growth, a happy home, treasured friends and the incredible joy of doing what God's called you to do.

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty