Faith

The Truth About Wealth and Happiness What They Dont Want You to Know

by Brother Carlton 
03/03/25
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Let’s get real for a second. People chase money like it’s the golden ticket to happiness. They believe that if they could just make enough—six figures, seven figures, a private island—then finally they’d be happy. Or they think if they could move to the perfect city, state, or even country, then everything would be right in their world. Some even pin their happiness on their kids or grandkids—“I’ll be happy when my daughter graduates,” or “Once my granddaughter gets into college, then I can relax.”

But let me tell you something I’ve seen over and over again: That’s not how it works.

I’ve lived long enough to see people get everything they thought would make them happy… and still feel empty. The dream home? The luxury car? The high-status job? The recognition? They check all the boxes, and yet, something’s still missing.

The Illusion of Control

Now, let’s talk about control because this is another trap people fall into. We like to believe we’re in control of our lives. That if we plan everything just right, success and happiness are guaranteed. But life doesn’t work that way.

Unexpected things happen. Businesses fail. The stock market crashes. That job you thought was secure suddenly isn’t. People get sick. Relationships fall apart. The world doesn’t care about our best-laid plans.

I’ve seen this firsthand. My father-in-law was healthy, strong, and still had years ahead of him—until he took the clot shot. And just like that, he was gone. No warning, no second chances. Gone.

Then there’s my brother-in-law, George. One minute, he’s just going about his day, and the next, he’s running headfirst into a kitchen cabinet, splitting his head wide open. Ended up needing staples in his head. Staples! That’s life for you—one second, everything’s fine; the next, you’re bleeding all over the place, wondering what just happened.

You think you’re in control. Then reality steps in and reminds you otherwise.

What They Don’t Want You to Know

Society feeds us a lie: That success equals happiness. That money equals freedom. That if we just work hard enough, smart enough, and long enough, we can finally arrive. But who defines what “arriving” looks like?

I remember reading a chapter in The University of Success, edited by Og Mandino, that really drove this point home. It talked about happiness and how people spend their whole lives chasing it, thinking it’s somewhere out there—in a better job, a bigger bank account, a different zip code. But real happiness isn’t in things or places. It’s in us.

I’ve seen people move to another country thinking a fresh start would fix everything—only to realize they brought their same problems, same mindset, and same unhappiness with them.

I’ve known millionaires who had all the money in the world but were miserable because they never figured out what truly mattered.

And I’ve seen people with very little, yet they had something far more valuable: peace of mind.

The Real Secret: What Jesus Already Told Us

Happiness isn’t about wealth or status or external achievements. It’s about perspective. It’s about how you see the world, how you handle setbacks, how you appreciate what you have right now.

And here’s the kicker—Jesus already told us the secret to happiness. We just don’t listen.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus lays it all out:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


• Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.


• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.


• Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.


• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.


• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.


• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.


• Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Now, that word “blessed” in Greek actually means happy. Jesus was literally telling us how to be happy! But notice what He said—He didn’t say, “Blessed are the rich,” or “Blessed are those with perfect lives.” No, He said happiness comes from being poor in spirit, from mourning, from being meek, from seeking righteousness, from showing mercy, from having a pure heart, from making peace, and even from being persecuted for doing the right thing.

That flips everything upside down, doesn’t it?

We think happiness is in a bank account, a house, a career, or the approval of others. But Jesus says it’s in our character, in how we live, in our relationship with God. It’s not about what we have—it’s about who we are.

What Real Wealth Looks Like

Yes, money can make life easier. It can provide options. But it doesn’t guarantee happiness.

Real wealth isn’t about how much money you make—it’s about how much control you have over your time and your mind. It’s about waking up with purpose, doing work that matters, and appreciating the little moments in life.

Because at the end of the day, the things that truly bring joy—love, purpose, faith, and meaningful relationships—aren’t for sale.

So don’t buy into the lie that you need to chase more to be happy. Instead, focus on what’s already in your hands. Because the truth is, you might already have what you’ve been looking for.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers business coaching and inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.