What's your story?

People all have pain and look for ways to find relief. Whether it be emotional or physical.We tend to judge people based on their addiction, habits, things that hurt their bodies, souls, or relationships. We say thats too bad that they are like that. They made a stupid decision. They could have done better, been smarter, made better life choices. But we fail to look deep. We say they failed end of story. Um duh? Haven't you failed? Haven't I failed? What about this person's soul? What is going on inside? What is their story? What have they walked through, seen, heard, experienced? Do we care for their soul or just their happiness? Do we want them to have the good life, be blessed, rich, well-groomed, happy? Is this really what the number one passion should be for people or is this what the world tells us life should be like if we make the right decisions?

I believe that it is beautiful to be poor in wealth and yet be content with who you are and your purpose. We will not find joy unless we take up our cross and follow Jesus. Which is selflessness. Its like jumping off that high rock into the water, but letting go of your selfish desires will actually bring more joy. "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?" Luke 9:24-25.

People are hurting. I am hurting. We all have a story. So do we stand from a distance and judge the outcomes? No, lets dive into whats real. Yes, its scary, raw, vulnerable, exposed, and authentic. It will open up doors of emotions that some never knew existed but its there. When burdens remain on the heart, addictions creep in to mask or dull the pain. Sometimes it is to hide behind guilt or rejection. Are you ready to be vulnerable? Find a safe person, BE that safe person. No judgment, only listening to the story. What is your story? Have you buried your burdens, some painful circumstance? I refuse to bury the pain I have now and I am determined to uncover whatever else lies beneath. I encourage you to look at people different. Look at their story, their beauty, and their worth. Love people undeterred by the path of their story.

Proverbs 19:22 "What a person desires is unfailing love..."

thoughts on selfishness

It was brought up at my workplace today: is everything a person does out of selfishness or can they be altruistic? I would love to hear thoughts on this. It seems that everything is out of selfishness even when we don't realize it. When I drive 2 hours to help someone start their car so that they can get to work at 5am... you think I am doing that out of care for this person. Yes, I probably do care for them. But underlying don't we do it so that we are liked by this person, so that we feel good about what we did, and so that hopefully this person will tell others how awesome we are? There is always that hidden selfishness. Someone in my workplace mentioned the fact that when we act on instinct before we can think about it, then is that selfish? For example, jumping into a river to save a drowning child. When we stop to think about doing a good act, we consider how it will benefit ourselves. If we do not see a self benefit we throw it to the side.

This may relate to our relationship with God and our role as His servants. Do we sometimes fail to go the direction He is guiding us because we do not see ourselves benefiting?

Who is God to you?

                For those of you out there with a faith in God, I would love to hear your discussions on what that means to you. I am beginning to see that I treat God as a tool. I use His existence to make my life easier and to gain power in small ways. I think we all do in some manner, but not on purpose. We are naturally selfish beings and want to gain importance, respect, and happiness. But are we using the name of God to make ourselves look important? Are we seeking God so that we can receive His blessings? Are we reducing God’s glory to His provisions? God should not have to bless me to make me love Him, praise Him and follow His commands. I get so caught up in will God provide? Of course he will provide but maybe not what I want. That should not be my desire. My desire should be solely to know Him more and more deeply and join Him in what He is doing. I have to ask is my worship narcissistic? Do I make God convenient? Do we choose a church to please ourselves by the music we like, the setting, the atmosphere…?  Or do we go to praise and know God and fellowship with the family of Christ? Do I read the Bible to find answers, happiness, blessings, or to know God, His character and His works? Do I pray to fix something or make myself feel useful? Or do I pray God’s will be done in this person’s life? More than to see this person happy, I want to see them passionate for God. Do I live religion by trying to be a good person, have a good life, and receive His blessings? That’s all about me and my happiness. Happiness is not important, joy and contentment is, and will be found by honoring God’s glory. “At the end of time, I Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the most high; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever.” Daniel 4:34.

What is your motivation in life? To be satisfied, feel good. Do you feel entitled to your life going well? The Bible says, “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5. We are not entitled to a “good life” by the world’s standards. But we are to find comfort through Christ alone. Sin starts with selfishness; the desire you think you deserve. Is the end we are after right now the usefulness of a relationship with God? When the end we should be after is the relationship with God period. I’m trying to refocus by recognizing his glory, understanding his love, dwelling in his presence and enjoying every minute with joy (not necessarily happiness) even through the hardships.

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgements He pronounced.” 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.