For those who know me well, I am a huge fan of the television show Seinfeld. While this show is often silly, I do think it provides some insightful perspective into us as humans. Here’s a quick clip for your viewing enjoyment…Oh The Humanity
One of the most notable things that I think the show Seinfeld exemplifies is the human desire of always wanting something more. George & Elaine are always wanting a better apartment. When George is working, he wishes he didn’t have a job…or a different one. When he isn’t working, he wishes he had a job None of the characters are married…it seems they’re rarely satisfied with what they have.
I’ve been thinking recently about this desire…no matter what we have, it’s in our human nature to desire a bigger house, a better tv, a nicer car, a more prestigious degree, a higher paying job. I wrestle with these things often…and my guess is that you do to. The problem is…these things never satisfy. I once heard it said that most people who are married wish to be single and that most people who are single wish they were married. The grass (or house!) is always looks greener on the other side of the street. Sure, we hear often that wealth won’t satisfy us, but do we really believe that? Sometimes life seems like it would be much better if my salary doubled. I’d sure like the chance to find out!
So why do I bring this up? Well, I believe that the remedy to this struggle is that of love and service. One of the key inspirations of INMED is this quote by Albert Schweitzer:
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
When we begin to put others needs and desires before ours, we start to think less of what we want and more of what they need. In Luke 9:24-25, Jesus says: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
The next time you find yourself wanting a bigger or better _______, how will you respond?