Finding Happiness in Christ (Series 2)Sample

Materialisms

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He, Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

That should have been the opportunity of a lifetime for an ex-convict, Abraham Shakespeare. In 2006, Abraham won a $30 million Florida lottery. He didn't think the money would change him. However, three years later, his body was found in the backyard of a friend's house. While the friend was not charged with the murder of Abraham, he was charged as someone who assisted in the murder.

People know how Abraham spent his life. According to the news, he had been taken to juvenile delinquency court as a teenager, arrested for assault, had children with different women, was late in paying his child support, and jailed. Police were trying to find information about how he spent the last three years. He gave lumps of money, sometimes large amounts - between $250,000 to $1,000,000. He met a woman who said that she wanted to write a book about his life. They then got involved in some financial affairs. The woman ended up buying Abraham's mansion. Abraham was eventually buried in his backyard.

Now we know enough to think about the fact that money cannot buy happiness. Money, if not handled responsibly, can cause great trouble.

Reflection: The Bible has given clear instructions about how bad money management will not only lead people away from the Lord but also cause them to perish. True happiness does not come from having possessions but having Christ and making Him the master of our possessions and money.

Money can buy happiness when you use it to help others. 

(Rick Warren)