Buying Happiness.
In the book of Matthew we come across a valuable teaching about earthly wealth. Matthew chapter 6:19 – 21 states; “19 ¶Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
In this selection Jesus Christ offers that treasures here on earth are fleeting and will eventually be taken or forfeit in some manner. It is my opinion that is correct. The things we have in this world are tools to help us accomplish a task. This becomes clear when we focus our minds on things which are eternal in nature. The Lord stated that we would be better off setting up treasures in heaven.
When we undertake to gather treasures here on earth and focus our energies there, we begin to cut out the more important parts of our life. Perhaps we spend our money on entertainment only to realize we now cannot pay our tithing because our money is gone. This may happen a few times and then we justify our actions saying we will repent of it later and never do. We may be a purveyor of some fanciful art collection and acquire all that we can to make it glorious beyond all others. These things cannot provide us with lasting happiness.
Wealth can provide you with options however. It will also provide security and peace of mind. I don’t think money is evil or acquiring it is. It can be one of the most powerful tools in which we can possess. It is when we turn our focus onto the getting gain that we miss the mark.
Our time is much better spent in scholarly habits, charity work, studying scripture, or spending time with friends and family. The things we can buy and having wealth can go toward peace of mind, knowing that in times of crisis you will have what you need. The acquiring of wealth itself will...