Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

 

Unhappy people pay too much attention to themselves in an unhealthy way. Being unable to recognize or determine their own happiness, they put unfair pressure or expectation on others to make them happy. When we make people responsible for our happiness or blame them for our unhappiness, we are actually using them for our own selfish ends.

A self-absorbed life limits what God wants to accomplish.

The Apostle Paul tells us not to do anything for selfish reasons. Rather we must learn to be generous and be genuinely interested in other people. Instead of trying to get people interested in you, take an interest in them and find ways to help them. After all, making a difference in the world is your purpose in life, not just chasing happiness. Keep your eyes and heart open, and God will show you who and how, and that requires faith and obedience.

A generous life, however, opens God's hands to give more to us and through us. For example, the boy with the five loaves and two fish had enough to feed himself, but when he gave everything he had to Jesus—he got back twelve baskets full of everything. We know the boy gave without looking for a generous reward, but he certainly deserved it.

Pray for God to give you the desire and grace to be more generous with others.

 

The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

Proverbs 11:25

 

When God leads you to meet the needs of others, God will also lead others to meet your needs. This is not a formula, but a promise of His provisions.

In 3 John, we read of Gaius (whose name actually means “happy”) who was a gracious giver and a wonderful financial supporter of many missionaries and believers. The Apostle John spoke well of Gaius, even praying for God to prosper this well-loved man in every way and for him to be as strong in the body as he was in the spirit (3 John 2). I also pray the same prayer for you: May God refresh you so that you will be able to refresh others, especially those in the household of faith.