Unselfishness.... a key to Quality Living

(Taken from an address by Dallin H. Oaks)

We live in a time when sacrifice is definitely out of fashion, when the outside forces taught our ancestors the need for unselfish cooperative service have diminished. Someone has called this the “me” generation – a selfish time when everyone seems to be asking, “what’s in it for me?” This kind of attitude produces no positive change and no growth.

The common aspiration of our day is to get something for nothing. Greed shows its face in the assertion of entitlement. I am entitled to this of that because of who I am – a son or a daughter, a citizen, a victim, or a member of some other group. Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing. Its very concept causes us to seek to elevate ourselves above those around us. This separates us from the divine, evenhanded standard of reward.

The effects of greed and entitlement are evident in the multimillion dollar bonuses of some corporate executives. But the examples are more widespread than that. Greed and ideas of entitlement have also fueled the careless and widespread borrowing and excessive consumerism behind the financial crisis that threaten to engulf the world. Gambling is another example of greed and selfishness. The gambler ventures a minimum amount in the hope of a huge return that comes by taking it away from others. No matter how it is disguised, getting something for nothing is contrary to the law of the harvest: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

A great example of unselfish service is the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose vow committed herself and her fellow workers to wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor. She taught that “one thing will always secure heaven for us – the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives. We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Her life of unselfish service is an inspiration to all the world, and her acts of Christian goodness will stand as a memorial for generations to come.

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Yes… we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, and not for what we get. And this helps us create… QUALITY LIVING.

Doug :)