… According to a global survey, three out of four of the happiest people groups in the world are not rich consumers. Using a scale where 7 marks the maximum of happiness, Forbes magazine’s riches Americans came in second (5.8), tied with the Pennsylvania Amish. Close behind them (5.7) were the Masai of East Africa, a tribe without electricity or running water who live in huts made of dung. Happiest of all – ahead of America’s richest – were the Inuits of Greenland (5.9). All this research suggests that a climate of warm, cohesive community and its attendant values are more important than material comfort or other external factors (like climate – in view of the Inuits!) in producing happiness.

Even seeing the numbers, though, how many of us believe what they’re telling us? (219)

What is your congregation doing to build warm, cohesive community?

How do you help your faith community wrestle with the temptations of working toward great wealth over working to be closer to God and others?

In what ways do you help the people of your congregation look at their level of consumption and put it in perspective with the limited resources in the world?

For personal one-on-one coaching, click here.