“What makes you happy” is a question that will elicit a number of responses. Some of the common responses include sex, money, fame, love, friendship, and peace. However, these things do not bring lasting happiness in and of themselves.

In working on my book, I have interviewed student after student about their stories. One person I interviewed, Drew, had sex with over 300 women–and he never found lasting happiness in those encounters. When he looks back on his actions he realizes he was trying to fill an emptiness.

It’s the same with money. It is not that money is inherently bad–it is how we use it. The apostle Paul quotes a saying of Jesus not recorded in the Gospels, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). However, how many stories have we heard about millionaires and billionaires who had a desire to be on top of the financial world–and yet they are still not happy? Why is that?

Let me suggest that lasting fulfillment comes only in a fulfilling relationship with our Creator. He created us to be in relationship with Him and others. And when we are in a healthy relationship we see others as created in the image of God, having inherent value. We also want to put others first by serving them (Mark 10:42-35).

In the TEDx Cambridge video below, social scientist, Michael Norton, demonstrates that money can buy happiness. His twist, however, is how we spend our money. In his research, he demonstrates that when we serve and give to others (sound familiar?), we are actually happier. At the beginning of his talk, Norton, gives a jab at the religious saying, “Money cannot buy happiness” by saying, “It’s wrong.” However, he has a misunderstanding of what the Bible teaches about money. The Bible communicates, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 4:10).

Though I do not believe he is a Christian, Norton’s research does support the theme of fulfillment and giving we find in the Bible. As we approach this Christmas season, let’s remember to give to others.

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