Why do some people do selfless things?
"We do not exist for
ourselves", wrote Thomas Merton.
At
the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received,
how much money we’ve accrued, or much of anything else. We’ll be judged by:
I was hungry and you gave me
something to eat, Hungry not only
for bread — but hungry for an embrace and for love;
I was naked and you clothed me, Naked not only for garments — but naked for
dignity, respect and acceptance;
I was homeless and you took me
in, Homeless not
only for four walls with a roof — but homeless because of rejection and being dismissed.
<@>
There's a void that exists in many of us. It
nags at us. It’s to be purposeful - to make a difference. I’m thoroughly
convinced, true happiness and genuine significance doesn’t come from finding
yourself, but in losing yourself - by investing in someone else. I like what A W Tozer wrote: "The purpose of good works isn't to change us or save us; rather,
it's the demonstration of the change within us."
