In 1985 Whitney Houston blasted herself onto the music scene
with her “self-titled” debut album. Ironically, one of the biggest hits from
that album was called “Greatest love of all”. Ironic because the “self” titled
albums best song was all about loving one’s self and how it is the greatest
love of all.
In her book “Generation Me” Jean Twenge shares highlights of
how the current generation has been taught to love themselves with little to no
regard to how they treat others and to have high self-esteem regardless of any
accomplishments or perceivable talent (or lack thereof). In fact, you don’t
even have to have talent. This condition of self-love above all else is not
limited to the current generation. Just look around you and see for yourself
just how many people are behaving selfishly and poorly with no conscience.
Whether they be family members, friends, celebrities, co-workers, etc. an
unfortunate example can often be found.
What all this adds up to is a society filled with people
with an inflated sense of self causing harm to others with no regard for their
actions or so blindly selfish that they cannot see the plight of others.
Love and Service to
Others
I don’t mean to get all biblical on you but I don’t mind
going there for just a minute. In John 15:13 Jesus gave the most definitive
description of what the greatest love is.
“No greater love has no one than this. That someone would lay down his
life for his friends” (ESV) is how the passage goes. Laying down one’s life has
everything to do with being of service to others; to live unselfishly for the
betterment of those around them.
One of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most prolific speeches is
one that doesn’t get much limelight but is still a powerful message. That
speech was called “The Drum Major Instinct” and in it Martin Luther King
presses home a very important point. He stated that the overriding duty of all
people is to be of service to others; to be first in love and kindness. Could
you imagine what that world would be like to live in?
How Love and
Selflessness Affect Your Health
When it comes to our health there are some definite benefits
to being a loving, caring person who lives a selfless life dedicated to helping
others. Here are just a few positive benefits to consider:
- A greater ability to handle stress – If you are of service to others then your chances of having loving, supportive people in your life increases greatly. With that increased love and support from people comes the ability to have others help you through hard times and carry your burdens. Aren’t problems so much easier to handle when you have great friends and family members around? Cultivate loving relationships through selfless acts for others.
- Greater and faster healing – Did you know a loving heart can heal? Researchers at The Ohio State University found that couples who interacted warmly together had wounds that healed twice as fast as couples who were hostile or belligerent. This premise can extend beyond marital or romantic bonds. Loving interpersonal relationships where you share with one another can likely produce a soothing, healing effect on the body.
- Even suffer from fewer colds – Another wonderful benefit of opening one’s self to others is the calmness and love that comes to you. With the calm, peace and love comes a healthier and more robust immune system. Research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University and published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people who were calm and happy experienced fewer colds and flu than people who were anxious, hostile or depressed
If you want to be happier in life and experience better
health try leading the parade when it comes to service to others. The love,
warmth and kindness you receive in return will be worth its weight in health
gold. Narcissism, which seems to rule the world today, is an unsavory way to
live and only brings misery and unhappiness wherever you may find yourself. Do
you know any narcissist? Do you like being around them? Do they make you feel
good to be in their presence? The answer is most likely a resounding no. Bring
light with you wherever you go and watch your health and the health of those
around you improve.
Sources:
- The Bible
- http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=97679
