I am rich. Actually, I am filthy rich. Really though - I am filthy rich and I’m a selfish fool. I was reminded of this when Greg Boyd told me that I earn probably 4X the amount of the average person in the world but I probably spend 97% of it on myself. This was a humbling reminder to me that I am a product of the system - that I am gullible enough to believe the lies that our consumerism-sick culture feeds us everywhere we turn.
I make more than 4X of what the average global citizen makes, yet I have the RIGHT to spend nearly all of it on pursuing happiness - expressing myself by how I dress, “seeing the world”, purchasing the latest technology, paying money to see the latest film or read the latest book. All the while by giving even 1% more of my money away, I could literally save a life or improve an entire village. It’s my RIGHT to strive to be independent as my culture tells me. It’s the honorable thing - to be independent and not need others or need “charity” - they say. But should my independence and pursuit of happiness come at the expense of others? Should it come at the expense of a human born into poverty and miserable conditions - as if they deserve to suffer the curse - as I deserve luxury because I was born into a country where I can have whatever I want if I work for it? And - of course - the money I spend on myself makes me happier - they say. It’s not that simply spending more time with others - or investing in people - brings happiness.
If our excess money and our possessions have the power to save lives and transform villages and countries, I think we can believe the words of Jesus when he said that “it’s more blessed to give, than to receive.” What’s more important - pursuing happiness - or being blessed? Aren’t we being deceived to pursue happiness - when happiness is no more than fleeting happenings that make us feel good for a moment? Shouldn't we pursue blessedness because it’s something that lasts more than a moment - like when you save a life by investing another fraction of a percent of your wages to those who are in need?
Pursuing happiness can feel innocent, and normal. But pursuing happiness dupes you into being a product of a flawed system. Living for the American Dream just like everyone else is doing being “normal” will quickly lead us to spending 97% of our money on ourselves while a large chunk of the world wastes away in hunger, sickness and for lack of means to live even comfortable let alone be happy. There’s nothing wrong with being happy, but there’s something wrong when by pursuing happiness I am turning away from my brother or sister who is lacking food to live. I’m sick of being a product of my sick consumerism culture. I’m sick of living in excess while millions are literally dying of shortage. I want to change. I want to pursue blessedness like happiness is going out of style.
