Article October 19, 1992 Issue

Is selflessness really beneficial?

Unselfishness helps open our lives to the power of God and to fresh possibilities for healing.

Mark Swinney

Over and over, in the days and weeks following catastrophe or tragedy, we hear of people unselfishly coming to the aid of those in need. Especially heartwarming is the way someone will work shoulder to shoulder with a person or group he or she has never before even met. Once anyone selflessly makes a commitment to the goodness and morality that go hand in hand with helping others, his or her life cannot help changing for the better. This commitment actually represents an allegiance to God, and uniting with God's purpose for our lives naturally transforms and heals us. The way we selflessly—without human will—respond to, and live in harmony with, the goodness of the divine nature relates closely to spiritual healing.

Many people, of course, value morality. They live honest lives and do much good. While this is essential to our own and humanity's progress, even more is asked of an individual who is committed to the spiritual good that has its source in God. Morality provides a basis, and is integral to the spirituality that beholds and understands man in God's likeness. Spiritual understanding is fundamental to helping others at the deepest level. Healing and progress become a part of our lives not only as we consent to be allied to divine goodness but as we actually understand the true nature of creator and creation. This involves persistent prayer and Bible study. It involves living our lives in God's service, asking God, divine Love—constantly, humbly—how best to serve Him in the current moment, and how best to help and pray for our fellowman.

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