What If You Could Gain Happiness By Operating Selflessly?

A flower is a good thing. Beautiful beyond comprehension when examined closely. It fills our eye with color and shapes that ease the mind. But it doesnt last. It is only temporary. We long for it to be permanent. But it isnt.

God has given us a glimpse of the happiness and beauty that He offers which IS permanent and lasting. When we are making choices in life we want 2 things: happiness, and permanence. We shop for a car based on these criteria. Yeah it would make me feel good to be driving this around today, but its not going to be reliable.

These types of decisions are relatively easy. Until other people come into the equation. Yeah, this car would make me feel good to be riding around in today, but, it isnt safe for my kids. Now comes the difficulty. Do we default to what makes us happy? Or to what is in the interest of others we love? What if you could have BOTH??

Wait, think about it. Just hear me out for a minute... You cannot change the fact that a 1000hp convertible is unsafe for your kids. But you also can't change the fact that a 1000hp convertible would make you happy. Dilemma?

No. It is a delusion. A misdirection of reality. We THINK we only have two choices and that 1 of those choices causes us to LOSE OUT on some happiness. The hidden one, requires that we consider LASTING value. The 1000hp convertible has a temporary enjoyment. And limited. You will never be able to enjoy taking your kids on vacation in it. It will not last long.

However, the happiness you will experience from making a decision that favors the well being of those you love is a happiness that goes way beyond the temporary rush of a 10 second quarter mile. It spreads over time, and through your life and into the lives of other people. If we learn to recognize the value of loving others before ourselves, we can have MORE happiness, for a much longer time than we will ever get by thinking of what is best for us right now.

You havent LOST the happiness of a 10 second quarter mile. You have GAINED the happiness of making life better for those you love, who learn by example to do the same for you later. It is delayed gratification. Our natural inclination, under the influence of pop philosophy and our own desires, is to "do ME." And yes, God has given us all of creation for our enjoyment. But if we fail to see that he has also given us the ability to love OTHER PEOPLE selflessly, then we are truly missing out on the greater, longer lasting, more secure happiness that he put here for us as well.

Jesus could have had the fastest, most luxurious convertible ever known. But apparently he saw more happiness in serving those he loved. If we could begin to grasp this and put it into action in daily life the world would surely be a different place.