Who wants to be a millionaire?

No really! Who would ever want to be a millionaire?

On one hand, I can appreciate the financial freedom that comes with a large amount of money.

But on the other hand, I think that there are some things that I enjoy now that I wouldn't enjoy as much if I were too affluent:

1. The joy of a paycheck. Each paycheck. Every nickel. I work for my money, and I use it prudently (I hope) for things that my family needs. We have a budget that we live on/with/within. We pay tithing. We contribute in meaningful ways to people around us, not only financially but through giving of ourselves. It may be possible to experience these things if I were more affluent, but would I derive the same sort of satisfaction? As Christ pointed out, the people throwing in their millions contributed much, but the widow who threw in her mites gave all she had.

2. The fellowship of people I like and respect. For some reason, rich people only hang out with rich people. And many (not all) rich people are pretty boring. Seriously. I would rather be with you people than the finest people on earth.

3. The peace that comes from knowing that I have sufficient for my needs. What would I do with all that money? Buy more things? People would just steal it, or it would wear out or break down or go out of fashion or whatever. There is an incredible satisfaction and peace with knowing that my needs are being met. True, if I had more I hope I would share what I had. But those who know me also know that I have always been free with my money. I view my money as a stewardship, as a blessing, rather than actually mine. I freely and gratefully acknowledge the hand of the Almighty in blessing me in this way, in spite of myself. Perhaps in my not accumulating too much I free up additional funds for more people...

There have been "happiness studies" (see for example: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582273/Money-does-not-buy-happiness,-study-finds.html) which demonstrate empirically that having too much money or too little money is detrimental to one's happiness. Materialism does not manufacture happiness - one's own personal financial happiness and satisfaction is determined by one's self. Thus, if you think you have enough, you probably do. Some people will never be satisfied no matter how much they have. Others will find themselves perfectly happy and satisfied with apparently very little.

4. I have decided that I have enough. I do. I don't need any more. I choose to be happy and satisfied with what I have. I have a great family. My home and my cars are sufficient. If my cars break down I will replace them. And all of this leads me to a sense of immense gratification, satisfaction, and power. Power? Yes - I feel powerful because I have made the decision that I have enough. No one told me that - I decided that myself. I don't have the biggest or fanciest car or home or job or whatever. But I have enough. And enough is enough.

That doesn't mean I don't have goals. But my achievement of these goals are not motivated by a desire for financial gain, rather by a desire for self-improvement, sharing knowledge, and enhancing my relationship with my family and my God. All of this is very liberating.