What Makes You Happy

George Burns, though not a philosopher, made an interesting point about helping others.

If you were to go around asking people what would make them happier, you'd get answers like a new car, a bigger house, a raise in pay, winning a lottery, a face-lift, more kids, less kids, a new restaurant to go to--probably not one in a hundred would say a chance to help people. And yet that may bring the most happiness of all.

I don't know Dr. Jonas Salk, but after what he's done for us with his polio vaccine, if he isn't happy, he should have that brilliant head of his examined. Of course, not all of us can do what he did. I know I can't do what he did; he beat me to it.

But the point is, it doesn't have to be anything that extraordinary. It can be working for a worthy cause, performing a needed service, or just doing something that helps another person.

Now that is great advice. But the basis of his comments did not originate with him. It was God who first had that idea. Recorded in the New Testament we find that Paul the Apostle wrote a bit more succinctly than Mr. Burns.

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests,

but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

Looking past our own world and interests is exactly what you are called to do. It could be as simple as helping out in the children’s ministry at your church, or visiting a sick friend. Perhaps you could provide for a missionary, or mow someone’s lawn. The point is, look past yourself, and see what you can do for someone else. More than likely, it will make you happy.


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