Momentum For Monday, May 8th 2023

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” (Philippians 2:3)

I once heard a podcast about a pastor that struggled with depression, but that also worked at a mental health institution for a season. Something that struck him was that every patient in the hospital only did 1 thing for the majority of their days when staying there, despite their schedule. Every day centered around their mental health issues. Morning, noon, and night, they monitored and tracked everything based upon their mental health. How can someone get better only focusing on themselves and their problems/ issues?

It's amazing how big of an issue mental health is in America when we have so much privilege and opportunity. We're approaching things wrong. Our lives are not supposed to be so deeply self-centered.

Nothing brought me out of my mental health struggles quicker than finding and serving a purpose greater than myself. I'm not saying that you don't do self-care and to not ever monitor your problems, but so many of those issues dissolve when you become others centered. Your needs get met as you meet the needs of others.

You become more grateful for food when you hand out meals to those who struggle to have food daily. Your home is more appreciated when you see how terrible the conditions are for others to live day to day. Inconveniences don't bother you as much when you know that some people lack options to even have conveniences in their daily lives. Seeing the less fortunate or those in need start to thrive when you had a hand in it brightens the darkest parts of your life rather suddenly. Comparison is only the thief of joy when we are looking from eyes of envy and jealousy. Comparison can bring blessing when we realize how good we have it next to those suffering more than we ever thought we were suffering.

The truth is that life will never be perfect and we'll never be all we're cracked up to be (and that's ok). We can still do good. We still have purpose.

So, go to therapy. Read your self-help books. Chase your dreams. But, don't just be all about you. Donate to a cause. Lend a hand. Make time to serve others. You may have to get uncomfortable to do this, but it's well worth it.

“Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other.”

Romans 12:10