Generosity Improves your Life

Did you know that there is a way to measure happiness? There are whole international organizations devoted to the sole purpose of finding out who the happiest people in the world are, and what it is that makes them happy.

The happiest people in the world happen to live in Finland and other Nordic countries.  I know, living in Bismarck we might wonder how could people who live in cold weather possibly be so happy?

But it’s true, its measured and quantified.  They are the happiest people.

Do you know that Americans actually keep sliding down?  According to the World Happiness Report, we have been dropping steadily in happiness for several years.

There is a fascinating correlation.  FInland is also among the most generous countries in the world! More than half of the population give to charitable organizations and nearly as many give their time as well.

While in America (which is becoming more UNHAPPY), the percentage of people who give and serve has been steadily dropping.

It seems that generosity is a significant predictor of happiness.  

So, we are doing something at Bismarck Community Church today that we try to do every year.  We are hosting and encouraging what we call First Fruits Wednesday.

We are entering a holiday season that is easily all about us.  The retailers and marketers make sure we are working hard to satisfy our own needs, wants, and desires.

In a couple days we will gorge ourselves, then sit on the couch and watch football.  After that some of us will get up early to go get the best deals of the year on all sorts of consumer products on Black Friday.

Then, we will spend a month of parties and shopping to make sure everyone on our list is as happy as they can be.

This is what “The Holiday Season” has come to be.  And every year we become less and less happy.

I really want us to be happier people.  And I truly believe with all my heart that happiness begins with looking out for others.

So on First Fruits Wednesday, we take a day before all of that madness begins to give.  We give on the front.  We don’t wait and see what we have left over. We give now, BEFORE we start spending.

Consider a gift today.  Please consider a donation to BCC, I won’t kid you, we could really use it.  This budget year has not been great to this church.  So please consider it.

Give a dollar, or give ten thousand. But make sure it counts to you.  Make sure you are actually letting go of something.

Though maybe you’re reading this and giving to a church is not your thing.  Find something you believe in and give some of your money to it today.

I don’t want to encourage selfishness, and I am not saying give so you will be happy.  What I am saying is that true generosity can make you happier.  And I do want people to be happier.

Watch a Video From Pastor Jared below:

 

You can take a minute if you want to learn about about BCC or check out our regular donation page.