Selfishness is all right. Go on, be selfish, as selfish as you like. Make up your mind what you want and go get it. When you've got it, enjoy it to the full and share it with your friends. Enjoy yourselves, have fun!
E. Graham Howe
I remember the story of a young girl who once met a famous Indian guru at an airport in the US and she boldly went up to him and asked if he had some advice. He took one look at her, smiled, and then just said 'Enjoy!' She immediately understood the message and pursued her not-so-holy desires before starting in earnest on her spiritual path.
Going out and helping people in the name of Christ is really hard. Can you really extend a helping hand without looking down on your brother? I have seen so many people who tried to help others but they exuded arrogance which they would never really have admitted to themselves. Perhaps it is better to follow the advice of E. Graham Howe and the Indian guru: go out, express yourself, have fun and get what you want and discover as you run into life's constraints that you truly care for your fellow beings. As they say, 'Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future'. Perhaps it is easier to remember that if you truly face who you are.
In a retirement speech a colleague gave this advice 'Put on an oxygen mask before you assist others.' Yes, she is right, you can only give whole-heartedly if you yourself feel that you have abundant resources. Sure, I am all for it if you like to come and give in the name of the Christ. Just make sure that you have reached that stage. Otherwise, there is no harm in going out and having a little more fun until you do. Make first sure that your well is functional before you share it freely with others.
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