It's Not All About Me

Rick Warren, in his “anti-self-help” best seller, The Purpose Driven Life, opens the first of 40 chapters, “It’s not all about you.” A bold statemen in our culture where personal fulfillment, satisfaction and recognition reign quite pompously.

If I’m not happy, I’ll take my toys and go home. Later, take my bat and stalk off. Later, take my half of the furniture and live with mom and dad. This pathetic pity party shows up at work, in the neighborhood, at church, and in social settings. My way or the highway.

During the month Meghan Vogel keeps coming to my mind. At Ohio’s Division III girls state track meet, Meghan was running dead last in the 3200-meter race when about 20 meters from the finish Arden McMath collapsed in front of her. Instead of running past her, Meghan lifted Arden and literally carried her staggering body  – making sure to keep her fallen competitor ahead at the finish line. A standing ovation erupted at the stadium.

Meghan’s unselfish act has been noted as one of the greatest displays of sportsmanship in recent history. Not GET at any cost, but GIVE at all costs.

We hear of just enough random acts of kindness to avoid resigning that our culture is completely jaded with SELF. But sometimes we ache for more episodes of selflessness.

We love stories like Meghan’s. And the Luke 10 Bible story when Jesus told about a Samaritan, now called the good Samaritan. A solo traveler fell among thieves that left him half dead. Only the Samaritan, ranked at the cultural bottom by Jews, lifted the fallen traveler off the roadway and personally ushered him to safety and healing.

In reality, this is the life story of Jesus: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” [John 10:10] In his final hours, “Not my will but yours be done.” [Luke 22:42]   At every communion setting we restate in our grateful observance: His death was all about ME, but the new life he gives us, it’s all about HIM.