Before we move to the next topic—Women’s Rights—I’d like to draw your attention back to William Wilberforce and Charles Dickens. You will note that both individuals—as well as the others you will read about—lived with a focus on others, rather than themselves alone. They gave of themselves, thinking little about their own pleasures or comfort. Their biggest concern was the well-being of those who needed them—those they were equipped to help. This is what I like to call ‘other-centeredness’.
Now, look at Jesus and how he lived—for others, for us. He was who he was—for others. He did what he did—for others. His life was not lived for himself alone. He lived it for us.
I believe that Wilberforce and Dickens must both have derived joy from filling the needs of others. I’m not talking about happiness, which is fleeting—here one day and gone the next. I’m talking about a joy which lasts. A joy that lives deep inside us despite our ups and down.
Jesus knew about that kind of joy. He endured his suffering on the cross and paid no attention to the shame it brought. He knew what good it would bring to others. His dying would bring forgiveness to sinners like us.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2b)
As followers of Christ, we too are called to give of ourselves for the good of others. It’s a meaningful way to live. It might bring suffering—as it did for Jesus—but you will know that you’ve helped better the lives of others.
This has been Part 20 of the series A LIFE WORTH LIVING. Read Part 21 – Women’s Rights and Quakers.
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