By Pastor Frank Wiederrecht
Face it, we are all preoccupied with ourselves. How we feel, what we want, how others perceive us. This preoccupation with self is readily seen in slogans such as “be all you can be,” and “experience your full potential.” And to be honest, that is what I want for myself and for you. Indeed, my goal in writing this post is for you “to become your best self, and to live your best life.” The rub comes when we contemplate how to do that.
Many today say, “Well, that’s easy, you look out for number one.” “You can’t count on anyone but yourself.” “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” “I’m living for ME.”
People who say such things forget that any success they have achieved in life has had a lot of support from others. I am not “self-taught” or “self-made” and neither are you. Firstly, God has had a lot to do with this. And secondly, we rely on each other. We are products of each other’s investments. And that is where I think true fulfillment comes from – investing in the lives and success of others.
Investing in the health and growth and development of those around us is our highest calling. At home I can do that for my wife and children and grandchildren. In the church world I can do that for my staff and congregation. In the community I can be that for my fellow citizens.
What I am finding, is that the more I give myself away for the success of others, the more I find the internal fulfillment that we all seek.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
“Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.” Matthew 10:39