We all want a life filled with happiness, joy, peace, and fulfillment. From the moment we wake up, we make choices based on what we think will bring us satisfaction. The world constantly tells us that the key to happiness is self-focus—looking out for our own interests, putting our needs first, and making sure we get what we want.

But Jesus taught the exact opposite.

The Paradox of a Fulfilled Life

Jesus’ words turn conventional wisdom upside down. He said:

“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 NIV

At first glance, this doesn’t seem to make sense. How can we find life by losing it? How can the key to happiness be focusing on others instead of ourselves?

But when we look deeper, we realize that the most joyful, satisfied, and fulfilled people in life aren’t the ones who are obsessed with getting more for themselves. They’re the ones who live generously, who serve others, who give of themselves freely.

The Greatest Among You Must Serve

Jesus reinforced this idea multiple times in His teachings. In Mark 9:35, He told His disciples:

“Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

In a world that tells us to climb the ladder, Jesus says the way up is actually down. If you want to be great, serve. If you want to be fulfilled, pour yourself out for others.

And no one modeled this better than Jesus Himself.

Jesus didn’t just talk about serving—He lived it. He spent His life healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and washing the feet of His disciples. But His greatest act of service was when He laid down His life on the cross to rescue us from sin. He said:

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

Jesus willingly gave everything—not for His own gain, but for our salvation. His life was the perfect example of how true greatness is found in serving others.

Think about the people you admire the most—mentors, leaders, or even historical figures. The ones who leave a lasting impact aren’t the ones who lived selfishly. They’re the ones who gave their lives away for a greater cause, just like Jesus did.

A Principle for Every Area of Life

This truth doesn’t just apply to our spiritual lives—it applies to our relationships, our careers, and our overall sense of purpose.

• In Marriage: The happiest marriages aren’t the ones where each person fights to get their own way. They’re the ones where both spouses serve one another selflessly.
• In Friendships: True friendships aren’t about what you can get out of them but about being there for others, listening, encouraging, and supporting them.
• In Work and Leadership: The best leaders aren’t those who demand power but those who serve their teams and help others succeed. Zig Ziglar once said, “You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” 

The Path to a Rich and Satisfying Life

So, how do we apply this practically? Here are a few ways to start living this out today:

1. Look for ways to serve daily – Whether it’s helping a coworker, encouraging a friend, or doing something small for your spouse, acts of service lead to fulfillment.
2. Shift your mindset from "What can I get?" to "What can I give?" – Joy comes when we take the focus off ourselves and put it on others.
3. Follow Jesus' example – He came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). When we live like Him, we experience life as it was meant to be.

If you feel like something is missing in your life, maybe it’s time to stop chasing happiness and start giving your life away. Because the secret to true joy isn’t in taking—it’s in serving.

Hope this encourages you today. God bless!