When you're tired of the emptiness of selfishness it's time to return to your Creator and Jesus' instructions to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
In ancient Greek mythology there is the tale is of a handsome young man named Narcissus, who is so consumed by his own desires, he is not able to love others. One day Narcissus sees his own reflection in a pool of water and falls hopelessly and madly in love with himself. Of course, every time he tries to touch the watery image it dissolves. He eventually dies of a broken heart.
This dysfunctional view of life has become common in our society. The narcissistic belief is that to be happy all you need to do is act sexy, demand rights and privileges, and party, party, party. The results of this selfish approach to life are broken relationships, lack of civility, callousness towards others and emotional trauma.
When you're tired of the emptiness of selfishness it's time to return to your Creator and Jesus' instructions to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
The apostle Paul wrote that the greatest love is when a person is willing to suffer a long time for the benefit of another. Love is kind; it's not envious, or proud. It is not rude, or selfish or unforgiving.
These are the qualities that make life worth living and the keys to real happiness.
For Beyond Today, I'm Gary Petty.
