Living Beyond Yourself

I often wonder why so many people seem to be content with where they are right now. I don't mean that they're happy, lots of individuals feel unhappy most of the time. I mean that even though we all have dreams and passions that start at an early age very few seem to be able to make those dreams come true. It used to seem that those people were special somehow, gifted with abilities that others just don't possess. Lately I started realizing that it has more to do with our decisions and our attitude than any gifts or abilities we think we might have.

Each of us were created in the image of God with all His creative imagination inside of us. The world uses this imagination to deceive people and manipulate the minds of those who don't know the truth. Even religion can be deceptive and used as a way to control people's thoughts and actions. John 8:32 says "And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". When we understand the truth of what's inside us all we can start to tap into the imagination of the creator of the universe and truly see our dreams come true. The key is understanding why we've been given such a gift.

Our gifts are not given to us for ourselves but are to be used to help our brothers and sisters in their need. If we all really used our abilities to help each other then the world would know the love of Christ through our actions and not just a sermon from the pulpit. Instead of bigger churches maybe we need more housing for the homeless. How about giving up your St@rbuck$ for a month and donating it to starving children. Maybe all of our resources in America should be used to help people in real ways that genuinely make a difference. When was the last time you helped someone when it wasn't convenient? Why does our culture center itself around convenience when all that brings is dissatisfaction?

I'm making a choice to live beyond myself. I don't expect to be perfect just less selfish and more centered on the needs of others. What I've been given is not for my own gain but for the world to benefit from. Nothing is going to change my dream and passion, to shed light in the darkness, to love the unlovely, to comfort the hurting and provide for those in need. It's not easy when you're surrounded by mediocrity and compromise. I challenge you to do the same. It really is worth it and the rewards are out of this world......