In their marvelous book, Fearfully and Wonderfully, Philip Yancey and Dr. Paul Brand make one of the most insightful observations on personal fulfillment I have ever read. Take a few moments to read and meditate on the following quote before I comment: “I have learned that service also opens up levels of personal fulfillment far exceeding any others. We are called to self-denial, not for its own sake but for a compensation we can obtain in no other way.”1
The idea of self-denial in our society sounds nice but is rarely thought of as the pathway to true personal fulfillment. Instead, in America today, fulfillment is often associated with the accumulation of material possessions and career advancement. But I have learned in my walk with the Lord that self-denial, and serving God and others first, is the only way to obtain true joy and peace – the key ingredients to personal fulfillment.
And, I believe, the greatest way to achieve maximum personal fulfillment in life is when we practice our good works and service for the sake of the gospel. Just listen to the words of Jesus: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24). Not only will we save our life in an eternal sense, but we will find true contentment in this life.
When we serve Jesus, we often must deny ourselves of creature comforts and time we could spend doing other things. But knowing that we are doing things that advance the kingdom of God and please Jesus brings so much satisfaction as a Christian that the joy we receive is simply out of this world.
And when we serve others through praying for them, helping them financially, or just loving on them, we receive their gratitude and Jesus’ approval.
So, we see that spending time alone with Jesus in worship and serving our fellowman through our time, talents, and treasury, may seem like a sacrifice, but in reality the joy, peace, and meaning we get in return make these investments in self-denial all worth it. In addition, knowing that our self-denial and sacrifices, for the kingdom of God, are helping us store up treasures in heaven is something that no one can put a price tag on. My friends, self-denial is the true pathway to peace, joy, and meaning; and is the best way I know of to achieve real personal fulfillment in life!
1 Brand, Dr. Paul; Yancey, Philip. Fearfully and Wonderfully (p. 64). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Thanks for this excellent post.
I start my morning each day reading two Blogs–yours and Dutch Sheets’ Give Him 15 prayer blog. Dutch’s blog this morning reminded me of the many quotes you have posted by our past Presidents on the importance of the Bible and Christianity. He offers a great prayer of declaration for our nation based upon those quotes. My guess is that you are familiar with Give Him 15, but if not, check out his November post. I think you will be blessed.