“Self-preservation and financial security are the main standards by which ungenerous Americans assess their lives. This approach thus stokes an anxiety that at worst is soothed by apathy and a withdrawal from concerns beyond one’s own individual concerns, and at best results in some intermittent caring, volunteering, and financial generosity. This framework also encourages a hoarding mentality…
Attaining the sort of happiness found in material well-being and security, which the majority of ungenerous Americans pursue without regard for others, comes at a great personal cost. The battle is won, but the war is lost. The means people use to achieve this version of happiness leads to a self-defeated end. And that frustrated end obscures the deeper, richer, more complex kinds of happiness humans want, sending them on misguided searches for more of what already does not satisfy.”
Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson in “Giving Makes Us Happy. So Why Do So Few Do It?” posted by Science of Generosity on 3 November 2014.
In biblical terms, Smith and Davidson have revealed that the ungenerous are seeking to gain the whole world, and in so doing, they are losing their souls (cf. Mark 8:36). Why are so many choosing this self-destructive path? Why do all of us at times choose the way of the ungenerous and wander on misguided searches for more of what already does not satisfy?
The answer is simple really. We believe and act on lies. In this case we believe the lies that we need to accumulate in order to attain happiness and to secure our future rather than the truth that God invites us to entrust ourselves to His care, which often flows from family members and fellow believers, and that happiness is found in those relationships and not possessions.
What it all boils down to is that we do not experience life as God intended it, because of our own unbelief. The good news for today, and in 2015 and beyond is that Jesus helps those who believe and yet wrestle with unbelief (cf. Mark 9:24). Since that includes all of us at times, let’s resolve together to believe and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief. In so doing, we will avoid our own destruction and show people the way to life.