The Starting Point for Happiness

In Philippians 2:4 I read, “Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (The Message)

If I truly want to be happy in life, I’ve got to care about the needs of those around me—and move the focus away from myself. That’s the starting point for all happiness.

Paul looks to Timothy as an example of someone who genuinely cares about others. Philippians 2:20-21 says, “There is no one like Timothy for having a real interest in you; everyone else seems to be worrying about his own plans and not those of Jesus Christ” (TLB).

Most people don’t get up in the morning and give their first thought to how someone else is doing. They’re often only concerned about their own problems. And that’s why so many people are unhappy with their lives! Thinking only about myself eventually leads to misery.

If I want to be one of those rare, unselfish, happy people, I need to change my focus.

Putting my focus on others doesn’t come naturally. Most people don’t walk into a room and think, “Who in here needs my help today?” Instead, you think, “How do I look? Am I put together just right? What are people going to think of me?” So I have to intentionally train myself to do the opposite of what I would normally do—to shift the focus away from myself.

How many times have I missed the needs of people around me—even the needs of people I love—because I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t taking an interest in them. I hadn’t shifted my focus off myself. And because I wasn’t looking out for their needs, I missed the chance to help.

Philippians 2:4 says, “Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (The Message).

Instead of dwelling on myself or grieving missed opportunities, spend energy thinking about how others are doing. That’s where I’ll find happiness—in serving God through serving others.

In summary, to be happy in life, I’ve got to care about the needs of those around me—and move the focus away from myself. That’s the starting point for all happiness. Paul provides Timothy as an example of someone who genuinely cares about others. Most people don’t get up in the morning and give their first thought to how someone else is doing. They’re often only concerned about their own problems. And that’s why so many people are unhappy! Thinking only about myself eventually leads to misery. If I want to be one of those rare, unselfish, happy people, I need to change my focus. Putting my focus on others doesn’t come naturally. Most people don’t walk into a room and think, “Who in here needs my help today?” Instead, you think, “How do I look? What are people going to think of me?” So I have to intentionally train myself to do the opposite. How many times have I missed the needs of people around me, because I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t taking an interest in them. I hadn’t shifted my focus off myself. And because I wasn’t looking out for their needs, I missed the chance to help. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget myself long enough to lend a helping hand”. Instead of dwelling on myself or grieving missed opportunities, spend energy thinking about how others are doing. That’s where I’ll find happiness—in serving God through serving others.

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than myself. Do it with the same attitude that Christ had, giving up his equality with God and serving us. Paul encourages me to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Show a genuine interest in others and maintain unity. Learn to forget about myself long enough to lend a helping hand. Avoid being selfish or trying to impress others. Instead learn to be humble, thinking of others as better than myself. Do so with the same attitude that Christ Had. Guard against selfishness, prejudice or jealousy and show a genuine interest in others. Pay attention, so that I don't miss opportunities or chances to help. Be intentional about looking away from myself and looking to the needs of others.