The elevators in my office building have small monitors in them that display some of the latest business news and other information. Recently, as I was riding the elevator to my office floor, an alarming news item flashed on the screen. It said, “A new study by a university research team shows that people who put their spouses needs above their own have happier marriages.”
I had to read it twice. “NEW STUDY?” Uhm, apparently some people don’t read the Bible. The Bible says, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (Romans 12:10) and “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
I was kind of surprised that they would even mention this as a “NEW” study. It’s quite obvious! When we put the needs of others first in our lives, we always are happier!! Whether it is the needs of our spouse, our co-workers, our family, our friends, or just people we meet on the street. It’s NOT something NEW.
However, on the other hand, I can see from the way many people live, that they might THINK it IS something new. Because, we live in a society that is ALL about ME, MYSELF, and I. That’s the number one reason why marriages fail. That’s the number one reason why families fall apart. That’s the number one reason behind crime, corruption, and all sort of problems that face our world today – selfishness!
People have often asked me or questioned why I give away so much of my time and money. Well, uhm….that’s how you find Happiness!! You put God first and Others second and Yourself LAST! It’s NOT a NEW discovery…it’s been that way since God created us. It’s a shame really that this concept is “NEW” to some people.
“Do NOTHING from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.;” (Philippians 2:3) Notice the emphasis — DO NOTHING from selfish ambition or conceit — NOTHING!!
Try putting others needs before your own. Try seeking to make a difference in OTHER people’s lives rather than seeking everything for YOURSELF. And of course, PUT GOD FIRST in all you do, and you’ll find the secret door to happiness opening before you.
Jesus put it quite plainly – “This is my commandment, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER, just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)