Money Can’t Buy Happiness, but Christ Offers Joy Freely

By Simona Love

Church Magazines

As my obsession with money took over my priorities, I realized I was choosing the things of the world over Heavenly Father.

young adult woman looking through a shop window

Growing up, I had a lot of ambitions. I saw people my age already making money and finding success on social media. I wanted to be just like them.

When I was attending university and learning to be on my own, money became my top priority. All I cared about was qualifying for scholarships, saving up, and preparing for my future career in illustration.

Even my social media feeds were filled with messages about productivity, investing, and side hustles to help me earn some extra funds. I worried that if I didn’t take every opportunity to be smart with my money, I wouldn’t be financially secure.

I embraced this culture, thinking it would make me happy and successful. I always justified my focus on money by telling myself that one day, when I had more money, I could donate more to charities and be a better person that way.

I didn’t notice it at the time, but as my obsession with money took over my priorities, I started losing joy in my life. I became increasingly jealous, especially of those who seemed to have more than enough money.

I started to want more success on social media, in my career, and even with how other people perceived me. But it seemed like the more I chased success, the less successful I felt—and the more I was distant from Heavenly Father.

Recognizing Materialism

After about a year of feeling like this, I was listening to a talk by President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency. I felt my heart sink as I heard him describe exactly what kind of person I was turning into:

“Even today some who profess Christianity are more attracted to the things of the world—the things that sustain life on earth but give no nourishment toward eternal life.”

I’d thought I could prioritize both God and money at the same time, but President Oaks’s words and this insight in Matthew 6:24 proved to be true: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

When my mind was focused on material things, I found it harder to see the appeal of the gospel. I didn’t understand how going to church and reading the scriptures could help me with my ambitions.

While furthering education and gaining a steady income are worthy pursuits, I was prioritizing them too much. I was obsessed. I realized that I would be miserable until I learned to change my mindset.

Focusing on What Matters Most

I prayed to Heavenly Father and asked Him if He could help me start focusing on what matters most. I began by reading the scriptures. As I was studying verses that I thought I’d read countless times before, these familiar stories started catching my attention. I felt the Holy Ghost communicating with me!

One story that resonated with me was that of the rich young man. Jesus told him: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

When I read this scripture story, I felt prompted to stop and think about how it applied to me. At first, it didn’t seem like I had anything in common with the rich young ruler—he already had his riches and wasn’t willing to part with them. I, on the other hand, wasn’t rich yet, and I thought my efforts to get more money were righteous.

But I soon realized I would struggle to give my money away, just like the rich young ruler. Especially considering I was already struggling to let go of my pursuit for more money.

I wanted to put Heavenly Father first in my life again. I decided to open my journal, write how I was feeling, and look back at my previous entries to better understand what had started my obsession.

As I did this, I became more aware of how backward my priorities had been. As I noticed in one entry, “I keep thinking about how I can profit from everything instead of thinking about how I can become better or help others.”

Eventually, by studying the scriptures, listening to the Spirit, and journaling, I began to change.

Trusting God over Money

It has been amazing to feel the promise in Proverbs 3:5–6 come true in my life:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I still strive to develop my talents and work hard on my education and art career. Seeking financial security to provide for ourselves and our families is a righteous desire. However, we need to be careful not to let our pursuit of success and money become more important than anything else.

These days, I don’t care whether I become famous or make a ton of money through my craft. I’ve realized that living a life where I get to love—and feel love from—Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, my family, and art is enough for me. I’m no longer easily upset by unexpected expenses or other people’s successes. Instead, I am more devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ because it continues to save me from a life of greed, comparison, and constant discontent. And when I start to forget, the scriptures and prophets always remind me what matters most in life.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“While the world insists that power, possessions, popularity, and pleasures of the flesh bring happiness, they do not! They cannot!

“The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it! However, when you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and do the spiritual work required to overcome the world, He, and He alone, does have the power to lift you above the pull of this world.”

Overcoming the World

The changes the Savior has helped me make in my soul have been miraculous. I know now that success isn’t about proving how amazing I am or tying my worth to how much money I make; it’s about feeling gratitude for the opportunity to experience mortality and seeing the amazing blessings Heavenly Father has always provided me with. I know if I put Him first, everything else will fall into place.

I encourage you to consider your priorities in life. Are you focused on materialism and what you don’t have? Or are you focused on what matters most? Be honest with yourself. See if you need to adjust your course back to the Savior.

When you make that choice, you will find more joy than you ever thought possible.