The Cost of Happiness

In this crazy world today more people are buying into the ‘more stuff + new stuff = happiness’ trap. This can be material and/or relational stuff. Tired of the old couch, get a new one. Bored with the same spouse, get a new one. We, as a culture, seem to place a high value on acquiring ‘new stuff’. It is not a matter of ‘need’ but a ‘want’ we are trying to appease. Regardless, when we give ‘stuff’ power to determine our level of happiness we are no different than the monkeys discussed below. Watch for the parallel.

Charles Swindoll wrote about these men who bring in animals from Africa for American zoos. They say that one of the hardest animals to catch there is the ring-tailed monkey. For the Zulus of that continent, however, it’s simple. They’ve been catching this agile little animal with ease for years.

The method the Zulus use is based on knowledge of the animal. Their trap is nothing more than a melon growing on a vine. The seeds of this melon are a favorite of the monkey. Knowing this, the Zulus simply cut a hole in the melon, just large enough for the monkey to insert his hand to reach the seeds inside. The monkey will stick his hand in, grab as many seeds as he can, then start to withdraw it. This he cannot do. His fist is now larger than the hole. The monkey will pull and tug, screech and fight the melon for hours. But he can’t get free of the trap unless he gives up the seeds, which he refuses to do. Meanwhile, the Zulus sneak up and nab him.

     

      The monkey is determined not to let go of the seeds because he is convinced they will make him happy. Apparently, sitting with his hand stuck in a melon is not too high a price for the creature because he clings to his possessions to his own peril. Know any people like that? Of course you do. 

Recently, I have been witness to a couple going through divorce. It amazes me the tenacity to which ownership is being exercised over material things. So much so, that one party clings to retaining things they do not even want but claim them just so the other party will not get them. This isn’t about the tragic loss of a marriage but about who can walk away with the most toys and possessions. I guarantee you none of the stuff will fill the void in their lives when the dust settles. Not one piece of furniture or box of dishes will matter then.

There’s a pretty clear moral to this story, wouldn’t you say? If we really want to be free, we must let go of the material things we love. The more we hold on to our earthly possessions, the more frustrated we will get and eventually, we will be entrapped.

Let’s let go of the worldly things we’ve been holding on to. God has much greater things for us to be doing than sitting here with our fists in a melon!

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.