The Role of Sacrifice
abracad, · Categories: self help, spiritualityAt times it can seem like our sole purpose on earth is to serve others. We have responsibility to our children, our spouse, our parents, our friends, our community... The list is endless. If we put ourselves ahead of others we are frequently judged as selfish and feel the obligatory guilt.
It can be overwhelming, but let's try to put the role of sacrifice into perspective.
In the famous words of John Donne "No man is an island". We are all part of one great whole, and all interdependent upon one another for our continued existence and wellbeing. Though we have responsibility towards others, also throughout our lives others will have responsibility and make sacrifices for us.
As infants we all needed the care and nurture of our parents, else we would not be here today. In old age or failing health we may also be reliant on others. We continue to benefit from the help of others every day.
But that isn't to say it's wrong to pursue our own ambitions. It's absolutely right, and in fact it's the very purpose of our being. If no one sought to fulfill their individual potential humanity could not have made the incredible progress it has. Just as we have duty to others so we also have duty to ourself to be the best we possibly can.
Total sacrifice and complete selfishness are opposite ends of a continuum. Neither end is a desirable place to be, the former involves allowing our innate potential to wither and die, the latter inevitably means taking without putting back and the eventual isolation that will certainly follow when there is no more to take and no one left who is willing to give.
Instead we must find a position somewhere in the middle of the self-others continuum. We must fulfill our responsibilities as a Spiritual being and (temporary) incarnate member of the human race. We must fulfil our duties to our loved ones and fellow beings. But we must recognize there is a limit to what we can give to others and if we don't seek to fulfill our own potential the amount we can give will also be reduced.
Don't be afraid of ambition, or trying your best. It is why you are here. But also keep some room in your heart and mind for others.
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Filed in: self help, spirituality
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