“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

In an interesting study of nearly 400 Americans, researchers looked at the relationship between having a purpose in life and happiness. They found that the two categories overlap with one major difference. Happiness focuses on taking, while meaning and purpose focuses on giving.

The researchers concluded that happiness is about feeling good. Happy people tend to think that life is easy, they’re in good physical health, and they’re able to buy the things that they need and want. The pursuit of happiness is also associated with being a taker. The study stated, if anything, pure happiness is linked to not helping others in need.

In contrast, people leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others. To not serve others and only our own needs may indeed lead to happiness, but not to lasting joy. Martin Luther went as far as to say, “If our goods are not available to the community, then they’re stolen goods.” Philippians 2:3-4 echoes this truth as it calls us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.”

Prayer
Father, teach us to find joy in serving others. Therefore, we might reflect Your love in our daily lives and to those who You bring us to. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.