We inhabit a world where adherence to its laws can make life pleasurable. The fundamental law for humanity is to “treat others as one would like to be treated” (Matthew 7:13) Life’s significance grows more thrilling when one upholds this principle. A sportsperson’s joy is tied to the happiness of their fans; the better they perform to the fans’ satisfaction, the greater their own happiness. This principle is universal across all disciplines. Everything in this world can be appreciated by its inhabitants. Nevertheless, an individual must discover their true talent. Without passion, mastering any skill that requires expertise can be challenging. Hence, it is wise to refrain from undertaking activities where one lacks talent.
Many individuals spend their lives engaged in activities unrelated to their talents. They might earn money, yet lead unhappy lives. Often, schoolchildren select their future professions based on financial prospects rather than passion, opting for well-paying jobs over less lucrative ones. For instance, someone skilled in cleaning may feel ashamed to follow that path, choosing instead a career with higher earnings. Nonetheless, happiness stems not from wealth, but from the joy one brings to others, echoing the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated ” (Matthew 7:13)
Happiness is often found in those who are engaged in fields where they are naturally gifted. The specific area of talent is less important than the satisfaction it brings to others. In every corner of the world, every profession has the potential to satisfy someone. The real question is whether the individual has a passion for that field. For instance, in Zimbabwe, I am aware of teachers who go above and beyond to assist students, despite receiving minimal pay from a financially struggling government. They refrain from taking out their frustrations on the students by performing poorly. Their enjoyment of the profession is the key.
By consistently delivering their best, educators eventually draw the attention of grateful parents who engage them for the exceptional education they offer to their children. This concept echoes the words of Jesus regarding His disciples: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Although the disciples’ rewards were long-term when Jesus gave this principle, the principle is also effective in the short term. Here, the ‘Kingdom of God’ can be interpreted as treating others as one would wish to be treated. While this may seem unappealing to the youth, no alternative can bring them true happiness.
In Zimbabwe, an exceptionally skilled young soccer player was lured by the promise of a well-paying cleaning job overseas. He accepted the offer, despite his lack of interest in the job and its divergence from his passion. Concurrently, a friend with whom he played soccer, who showed great resilience, eventually made it to the Premier League. Unfortunately, I lost track of the first young man’s journey. However, had he participated in the Premier League, it might have opened doors to professional clubs worldwide, for the fulfilment of his dreams. Harnessing one’s strengths consistently can turn possibilities into realities.
However, this may not be attainable for those concealing their talent, for purposes of being engaged in a post that pays well. A resilient individual might stay dedicated to their work, aiming to serve others to the best of their ability, although not paid sufficiently. For such a person, the true reward is the satisfaction derived from their service, not necessarily the financial gain. Treating others as one would wish to be treated; is what brings joy to their life. Some believe money surpasses personal value, yet these individuals often fail to find happiness in their lifetime.
Gold and diamonds are considered precious commodities in our world. Yet, an individual dedicated to bringing joy to others can hold greater value than these prized materials. Consider the high valuation of professional footballers in the sports industry. Football enthusiasts are willing to pay even more for their performance. Ultimately, it’s not the financial gain they relish, but the talent they showcase, captivating their fans. This principle applies universally, be it in teaching, healthcare, hospitality, or anything else. Individuals who excel in their roles are highly regarded. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV).
In this world, some individuals are mourned more deeply than others after their passing. However, there are those whose presence or absence makes little difference. While they are also mourned upon their death, it often feels like a mere formality, as mourning is considered a customary practice in many cultures. This reality has persisted through the ages. People seek purpose through service; without it, their lives feel undefined. The more one serves and contributes to others, the happier one tends to be. Ultimately, there is no other reason for a person to live in this world—and therein lies the key to their own happiness. There is a captivating story about a woman who lived her life according to this principle, during the early Church.
“At Joppa, there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated as Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. hen Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. and it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord” (Acts 9:36-42 NKJV).
The impact of that woman continues to resonate in our lives today. Tabitha may not have realized that her acts of service would lead those she helped to mourn her loss deeply enough to wish for her resurrection. This illustrates the true purpose of life: making others happy. The people she served were joyful as long as Tabitha was present among them. However, the happiest of them all was Tabitha herself, who found fulfilment in helping those in need. This remains the key to happiness in all our endeavours. It stands in contrast to those who are solely obsessed with accumulating wealth, without considering whether their actions contribute to the happiness of others.
We live in a world where many believe that deceiving others is wise, but this only leads them deeper into oblivion. This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of a vital truth: no happiness comes to us if others suffer because of our actions. Life isn’t just about eating, drinking, and spending money on fleeting pleasures that might bring temporary joy. Living in such a malevolent condition ultimately brings curses and makes the purpose of one’s life undesirable. This principle works in reverse. Those who make others unhappy will also become unhappy. Hence, the saying, “You reap what you sow.”
A person who focuses on harming others, assuming this to bring happiness when sadly mistaken. The gains from such behaviour amount to nothing more than worthless money. If married, their marriage may suffer, and their children may not grow up to realize their potential. That’s why the best legacy a parent can leave is to teach their children the importance of adding value to the lives of others. No matter what paths those children take, the enduring principle should be the benefit they bring to other people. Leaving wealth as an inheritance for children is not a worthwhile investment. Instead, it is best to teach them to consider how they can best contribute to the well-being of others.
Leaving behind children who are fighting over an inheritance is one of the most unwise things a person can do. Jesus addressed this issue through a parable, focusing solely on wealth accumulation, without contributing value to others. A sibling who approached Jesus for intervention may have been surprised that Jesus was not impressed by his concern. The true essence of life lies in what we give to others, rather than what we receive for ourselves. A wise individual would not waste time squabbling over an inheritance; instead, they would strive to surpass the greed exhibited by their siblings. There is no wisdom in greed; true wisdom lies in benefitting others through one’s contributions.
Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:13-21 NKJV).
Jesus taught the principle of attaining happiness by first ensuring the happiness of others. In the above anecdote, if he had reflected on the lives of his friends who had not harvested as much, he might have shared his surplus food with those in need. Such acts of kindness would have made him valued and remembered, especially if he later faced unexpected hardships. It is the lives of those you impact that truly matter, as they contribute to the significance of your own life. Jesus also shared another parable, which some might find ethically questionable, yet it underscored his message.
He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’ Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’
“So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:1-13 NKJV).
Despite his corrupt behaviour, he understood the principle of pleasing others to attract happiness for himself. After being fired, he would have become a very unhappy individual. Although he lost his job, he was well cared for by those whom he had ensured happiness during the final moments of his employment. Jesus emphasized that to be truly happy, we must consider how we can make as many people happy. However, the best way to serve others is by recognizing what one was born to be, which benefits those around us, but ultimately makes us happy. By identifying our strengths, we can discover the joy that comes from our ability to make others happy.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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