We experience true joy only after we go beyond our self-interest.
We naturally enter this world in a screaming fit. Our self-interest of comfort has been stolen. And some strange person is already spanking us. It’s like we are screaming, “It wasn’t my fault – she forced me out of my cozy room. Slap her!”
As we mature, though, we outgrow temper tantrums and understand the fruit of joy that ripens from a well-tended vine of selflessness. That fruit multiplies when we authentically see past ourselves and focus on the biggest source of our joy – our Maker.
In Isaiah 5, the prophet is clear, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!” According to chapter 6, Isaiah is guilty of some sin to the point that a pure angel touches hot coal to his lips to remove it. Isaiah’s famous words immediately following this moment of purification ring out, “Here am I, send me!”
In Exodus 3, Moses looks past his occupational task to see a burning bush that was not being consumed by the fire. What an amazing symbol of how we can be as children of God when we become consumed by His power – we will never deplete the fuel that God provides us. Just as Isaiah says after seeing past his own life, Moses says, “Here I am.”
In Luke 1, Mary points out that the Lord “scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts” shortly after she is told news that would jolt any young woman out of any self-interested phase of life: she is pregnant with God’s own Son.
How can we not consider Jesus here. God, himself, becomes human. He humbles himself to walk on this earth, which we’ve heard is somewhat less extravagant than heaven. He doesn’t do it in a self-serving or pompous manner. He makes no money off the deal and doesn’t oppress sinners who show humility. He doesn’t live a prideful life and flex the power that he certainly possesses. He regularly sees past Himself to see the people He came to save. He knows God will provide enough fuel to achieve the goal.
What do we take from these examples of people who lived on this planet and ultimately experienced true joy by looking past themselves? It has been said that the excuses we have for not seeing past ourselves and doing God’s will are our idols. Once we see past them, God promises that He will forever fuel us to effectuate His will.
So, what are they? What barriers are between you and joy from the bottomless sweet water well and the bread of life?
Common Sensitivity 