"People tend to run out of money before mirages, so they cling to the myth that things they can't afford will satisfy them. Solomon's money never ran out. He tried everything, saying, 'I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.' (Ecclesiastes 2:10). Solomon's conclusion? 'When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.' (v. 11)" - The Treasure Principle, Chapter 5
“...the respondents turn out to be a generally dissatisfied lot, whose money has contributed to deep anxieties involving love, work, and family. Indeed, they are frequently dissatisfied even with their sizable fortunes. Most of them still do not consider themselves financially secure; for that, they say, they would require on average one-quarter more wealth than they currently possess.” The respondents–120 people with a net worth of $25 million or more–were asked to write responses to certain questions..." - Don't Envy the Super-Rich, They are Miserable, The Wall Street Journal
Back in 2016, a fashion company called Lularoe was becoming wildly popular selling dresses and leggings. Facebook and pop-up boutiques were everywhere. Consultants, anxious to grow their business were pouring money into inventory, and customers, anxious to find that one special piece in their size, in their favorite print, were on the hunt. (Keep in mind everyone involved is anxious, and primed to think their next big find is just around the corner.)
It was very easy to build excitement around this fad. But behind the scenes were untold hours of time, both by the buyer and the seller, to procure just the right pieces. After all, guess what everyone loves? Clothing shopping! Guess what everyone hates? Doing the laundry! And yet, somehow the two are related. I can only joke about this because I've fallen victim to it just as much as anyone else. But I started talking with a friend of mine about how we both were starting to feel like "inventory managers" with our own possessions, in our own homes. Searching for the latest trend may give you a jolt of energy, but almost immediately, you find yourself rearranging to accommodate your newfound "treasure", having to clean it, buy accessories for it, and guard it from damage. The end result is a lot of fatigue. And to remedy that fatigue, you'd need a new jolt of energy. Repeat cycle.
In this chapter of "The Treasure Principle," Alcorn talks about roadblocks to giving. One that I believe could be added is the above "cultural programming" that we are saturated in. As with any addiction, the cyclical nature of it is the most sinister part. However, we can harness this cyclical tendency on the giving side of the equation as well. Jon and I have been blessed to have the opportunity to give to a friend in need on various occasions, and I can say firsthand, that helping someone also demands repetition, but it multiplies joy. Instead of a draining fatigue, it is truly energizing. And for those times when we give anonymously, we have bonded as a couple over the shared secret.
No matter where you land on the income spectrum, see what you have to give (money, a listening ear, an act of service) that could bless someone else. Just like tithing, I believe God is OK with us testing out this promise and seeing Him multiply our joy in the process.
- Rebekah Arias