The poppy in the photo is beautiful, isn’t it? The
red color is striking against the green vegetation. It’s easy to want to be
like that gorgeous flower—noticed and appreciated. Most of the time, there’s
nothing wrong with that. But what happens when the need for attention and
self-gratification become the primary driving force in your world? What happens
when you make everything about you?
I knew a young man who was not only an entrepreneur,
he was a brilliant scientist. He created an instrument that could be
used in hospitals to ease a patient’s discomfort during specific tests
and also speed up the results, thereby saving lives. Sounds like a wonderful
gift to the medical field, doesn’t it?
He started his own company, and for a time, the
scientist gained wealth and accumulated all the material things he desired. But
while receiving attention in national magazines for his achievements, his
personal life was falling apart. In a matter of a few years, he was divorced.
His career took a dive as well when his partner strategically went behind his
back and took over the company he’d poured himself into.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store
up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy,
and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV)
The scientist initially had his heart in the right
place. He wanted to make a contribution to the world and make things easier for
hurting people. Losing his company and almost everything he had devastated him.
He was broken, but he wasn’t destroyed. After being reminded—in a very harsh
way—that wealth and fame wouldn’t bring him happiness, he began to rebuild his
life.
“When you realize God’s purpose for your life isn’t
just about you, He will use you in a mighty way.” ~ Dr. Tony Evans
Jon Pedley’s life is a wonderful example of that
quote. The millionaire led a swinging life that
included heavy drinking, womanizing, and other vices, until a car accident caused by his drinking put him in a coma and near death in 2002. But, he survived and came out of it a changed man. He found God, and inspired by a friend who did charity work in Uganda, sold everything he had in 2010.
included heavy drinking, womanizing, and other vices, until a car accident caused by his drinking put him in a coma and near death in 2002. But, he survived and came out of it a changed man. He found God, and inspired by a friend who did charity work in Uganda, sold everything he had in 2010.
He then used the proceeds, moved into a mud hut in
Uganda, and started a charity for orphans called J10:10.
Its focus isn’t only on local children. British children with a troubled past
are also sent there to help the locals and ultimately help themselves. This
organization also works to establish clean water, healthcare, and education in
rural Uganda.
When Jon Pedley realized that it wasn’t all about him, God began to use him in a mighty way, and
he’s since then made a huge impact in the lives of many people.
Of course, most of us don’t have billions or
millions of dollars to give away… But we can still make a difference. For
instance, my neighbor spends five mornings a week with an elderly woman next
door, keeping her company and helping with simple tasks. These two women,
though years apart in age, share their love for God, and they’ve grown to care
deeply for each other. Purpose brought them together.
Studies have shown that volunteering is associated
with lower depression, increased well-being, and a 22 percent reduction in the
risk of dying. Research has also shown that volunteering only has health
benefits for people who do it in order to help others, rather than to help themselves.
Why does volunteering can give us a deep sense of
happiness?
I believe God placed within us a desire to serve
others. We need our lives to count
for something. We may listen to that inner voice that whispers that it’s not
all about us, but with free will, we also have the ability to shut it off. And
when we ignore that inner longing for our lives to have a positive and lasting
effect on others, we find it difficult to embrace contentment. Instead, we feel
empty inside…
We were never created to live a life that was all
about taking. We were created to give.
And the funny thing is … in giving, we receive
tenfold.
What have you done recently that has given you a sense of
satisfaction or purpose?
Dawn
Reminds me of the familiar phrase, "It's not about you anyway."
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Mary!
DeleteYeah...it's not all about us. Now if we can just put that into practice. ;-)