Work. Spirituality. Relationships. Politics.
These are but just a few things in life we think we deserve more from. The list of things for which we have a grossly overstated sense of entitlement towards is quite long. We think we deserve happiness in all realms of life. If we’re honest with ourselves, the pursuit of happiness is what drives us. Hollywood even sold us on the idea, to the tune of $305 million worldwide (according to imdb.com). If we aren’t’ happy in our jobs or relationships or churches, we start looking for a way out so we can find one which will.
We act as though other people and institutions exist to affirm us, and therefore make us feel good about ourselves. We don’t want to face the ugly parts of ourselves. We don’t have to change. We don’t have to work hard. We want to pat ourselves on the back and live life on our terms. We think we deserve it. How dare anyone or anything else tell us to change, grow up, and deal with our personal garbage!
Well, get over yourself. Life is not about you. You are a privileged participant in it. You are not the author – you are the co-author. You were created with a purpose, and that purpose is to make much of God, not yourself. When you serve God and others, you are blessed. Like the saying goes, ‘tis better to give than receive. If we live solely for our happiness and fulfillment, we will end up like Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, so caught up in ourselves that we become nothing more than soap opera characters. There’s nothing sacred, meaningful, or blessed about that kind of life.
Do you want a life of enduring joy and well-being? Make yourself the smallest part of your life. Give more, serve more, admit your shortcomings more, ask for help more, and seek God more.
