To Be or Not To Be

Definition of Altruism:

- Noun: disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

- Zoology: behaviour of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

Q: Wanna be happy?

A: Be unselfish. Be altruistic.

Q: How can giving others happiness make us happy?

A: We are fulfilling our God-given purpose.

When God said, "Let us make man in our own image", God gave us the altruistic qualities of Himself, alongside the facial and bodily features.

That means that when we live unselfish lives, fully dedicated to the service of others - we exercise our Godlike qualities through His power. These are the happy-making qualities because all the Lord desires for us is happiness.

However, sin likes destroying what God intends for good. 

Here is what we need to caution:

The service to others should not come from a heart that feels forced to give. God only accepts unselfish acts that come from a cheerful heart. Otherwise, resentment builds up toward the other. When this happens, you have completely lost the plot.

Give, serve, love out of the goodness of your heart. Not out of complaining or grudgingly. You will not be happy and that influence will transfer to others. They will sense that you are not happy, and thus, you will do more good than harm.

Challenge: If you struggle to live a selfless life, but you would like to experience the happiness that comes from being altruistic, ASK GOD TO HELP YOU. Ask God to place within your heart a desire to be unselfish, a desire to serve others. He will most definitely answer this prayer because it is in accordance with His Word.

All of heaven is filled with the fragrance of unselfish service to the universe. If we can't be unselfish now, heaven will be very irritating for us. 

Looking to Jesus as our most unselfish Examplar, spread His love everywhere you go. Be a happy, cheerful, altruistic Christian! 

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;... Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." (Romans 12:10 & 13)

Jesus - As a Child

If He could do it, so can we!

Through all the mercies and grace and power of God's might, we are expected to follow the example of Jesus as a child.

That's a super high calling. 

But according to the Desire of Ages quote attached to this message, it's not impossible. In fact, it's very possible. 

Not much is elaborated on the young life of Christ in Scripture, but from the little information we do get, we understand that Jesus lived a perfect life as a child. 

Perfect? 

Yes, Perfect. 

Perfect in the sense of moral perfection. He had the child-like tendencies all children have, but from a babe, He was nurtured in the admonition of the Lord. This means that Jesus was taught at a young age that there is a God Who requires complete obedience - perfect obedience. 

How did He learn this? 

He was taught by His earthly parents to respect God as the Parent of parents. That if He obeyed God, He could be the happiest child alive. That if He obeyed God, He could fulfill the purpose for His life. That if He obeyed God, He would know how best to love those He was called to serve. And that if He obeyed God now, He would be eternally rewarded. 

Challenge: Teach children to obey God rather than man. Teach children that God requires holiness. Teach children that they will be happy if they follow Jesus' example. Teach children that God loves them and He wants them in heaven with Him. 

If Jesus could do live a life of holiness, by God's grace, as a child, then who are we, as adults, to complain??? 

Our Heavenly Father has provided everything His children need to shine bright in this dark world. 

Shine bright for the Father! 

"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."

(1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT)

"You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect." 

(Matthew 5:48 GNT)