Why Not Us

Episode 23 - The Trap Of Chasing Money

• Dillon Phaneuf / Jamie Paton

Episode Description:

Does more money make us happier? Society tells us wealth equals success, but does that idea hold up biblically, scientifically, or anecdotally? In this episode, Dillon and Pastor Jamie summarize what Scripture says about money, the psychology of happiness, and personal experiences with financial highs and lows.

They explore:
💰 How money impacts happiness—fact vs. myth
đź“– What the Bible says about wealth, greed, and contentment
⚖️ Why so many wealthy people still feel empty
🔑 How to shift from money-worship to financial stewardship

If you’ve ever thought, “If I just made more, I’d be happy,” this episode will challenge that belief and reveal what leads to fulfillment.

 1. Does More Money Actually Make You Happier?

  • Studies show that happiness increases up to $75K a year—after that, it plateaus.
  • The hedonic treadmill: Why people constantly chase more but never feel satisfied.
  • Dillon reflects on his journey—making more money than ever, yet realizing it didn’t fix everything.

đź’ˇ Lesson: More money changes your problems but doesn’t necessarily solve the deeper ones.

2. What the Bible Says About Wealth & Contentment

  • Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
  • 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
  • The Bible doesn’t condemn wealth, but it warns about idolizing it and making it your source of identity.
  • Pastor Jamie shares insights on why wealth can create more anxiety, not peace, without the right foundation.

💡 Lesson: Money is a tool, not a master—it can serve you, but it can’t define you.

3. The Wealth Trap – Why More Isn’t Always Better

  • The loneliness of extreme wealth – Why many of the wealthiest people feel disconnected.
  • The “more” problem – Every time you level up, your expenses, desires, and expectations do too.
  • Personal stories about how wealth either helped or hurt well-being.

💡 Lesson: True contentment doesn’t come from more—it comes from meaning.

4. The Biblical Perspective on Money & Stewardship

  • Money should be a tool, not a burden.
  • The importance of giving and generosity, and why the Bible emphasizes helping others.
  • Practical strategies for handling wealth without being consumed by it.

💡 Lesson: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” – Proverbs 15:16