“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” – Jim Carey
Jim Carey is an A-List actor who seemingly has all this world has to offer—fame, fortune, prestige, and possessions.
So what’s the secret to a life well lived here on earth then?
Is it even possible to be truly happy with the way things are in your life right now?
“Just A Little Bit More” – Rockefeller
John D. Rockefeller was hands down the wealthiest most affluent man in the world—America’s very first billionaire.
Considering he was a billionaire in the early 1900’s, he is still viewed as the wealthiest person in modern history. (Reference)
But when asked, “How much money is enough?” He responded with, “Just a little bit more.”
Now, this was a man who had absolutely everything this side of heaven.
So I find it ironic, with all he had (more than anyone else mind you), he still wanted more.
We find a similar man in scripture.
King Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man in the Bible.
He’s quoted to have owned several huge homes and vineyards; tons of hired servants catering to every need he had.
With vast sums of gold and silver, entertainment galore, and several hundred beautiful wives—Solomon too, seemingly had it all.
But regardless of everything he had, he too wasn’t fully satisfied.
“ …as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” ( Ecc. 2:11)
He was unhappy, unfulfilled, and at one point even hated his own life.
Check out what he says in Ecclesiastes 2:17:
“So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.”
Society furthermore says:
- “Just a little bit more money and you’ll be happy.”
- “Just a bigger house or faster car, then you’ll truly be content.”
- “Maybe a different spouse, a higher paying job, or a smaller dress size, then you’ll truly have it all.”
But if that were the case, then the men mentioned earlier would have been content, right?
King Solomon and Rockefeller would have never been quoted to want more or hate their own life.
If Money Can’t Buy Happiness—What Does?
If money bought happiness then why are so many celebrities addicted to drugs and alcohol, and tragically taking their own lives?
Within the past couple of years, 4 major celebrities have committed suicide.
- Chester Bennington who was the lead singer of band Linkin Park.
- Robin Williams who was a famous actor and comedian.
- Kate Spade who was a billionaire fashion designer.
- And, Anthony Bourdain who was a renown chef, actor, and television personality.
All of these people were at the top of their careers.
They had families and children, and everything money could buy.
Yet they were so empty inside they chose to take their lives in their own hands, and end it all.
I Contemplated Committing Suicide Too…
I too experienced this deep and dark sense of hopelessness.
No matter how many…
- Drugs I took
- Or shots of alcohol I drank
- Or parties, or relationships, or shopping sprees I had
Nothing filled the empty hole I had in my heart.
But I just could never get myself to do it.
I’d think to myself there has to be another way.
Something more, something deeper…
I wanted to find true and lasting happiness.
And then He found me…and changed my life forever.
Jesus Christ Changed My Life
The most significant day was the day I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.
I immediately felt brand new.
As if I was an entirely different person—inside and out.
All of my addictions to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, you name it—gone.
And the hopelessness I felt, the thoughts of committing suicide I had…
I’ve never felt or had ever again.
Every once in a while I’ll look down at the many scars covering my forearms.
All of the cut marks I made during the lowest time of my life.
And with tears in my eyes, I’ll thank God for pulling me out of the darkness I was so trapped in.
He and He alone gave me hope when hopelessness was all I could see.
Who Or What Are You Living For?
Pastor Greg Laurie once said,
“Ever wonder why you never see a hearse pulling a U-Heal trailer…because you can’t take anything with you after you die.”
And when Rockefeller’s financial advisor was asked how much money and possessions he left behind after he died, his response was simply, “All of it.”
There is a place for things and people, but we must not allow them to be priority number one.
We must not be consumed with them or elevate them higher than our walk with the Lord.
When we put God first, when we get right with Him, then everything else will fall into its proper place.
Then and only then will we be truly content.
Key Takeaway
When you try and compare your life with the lives of others, you will have a skewed version of reality.
The grass isn’t greener on the other side.
It’s a lie straight from the pit of hell.
You have no idea what’s happening with someone on the inside, behind the closed doors of their multi-million dollar home.
Everything this side of heaven is all temporary.
The high you’re on will eventually come down.
Happiness doesn’t come from material possessions.
It doesn’t come from wealth, pleasure, relationships, or more and more stuff.
Only a relationship with Jesus Christ will leave you fully satisfied.
It’s when you serve others that you’re going to be the most fulfilled.
So instead of being bummed out about what you don’t have, choose to be content.
Start to count your blessings and be thankful for what you do have.
God sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross in your place, and rise again to everlasting glory!
Your forever home is not of this world.
So don’t try to gain the whole world in exchange for your soul.
King Solomon learned this lesson the hard way.
And there will be countless people after him who may never learn this lesson at all.
What a shame it must be for those who finally reach the top only to find out that empty hole they were trying to fill, could never be filled with the things of this world.
It doesn’t matter how much you have, without Jesus, you’ll never seem to have enough.
Like Rockefeller, you will always be left wanting…just a little bit more.
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