by Peggy Still
In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy asks Charlie Brown, “Why do you think we were put on earth?” Charlie answers, “To make others happy.” Lucy replies, “I don’t think I’m making anyone happy – but nobody’s making me very happy either. Somebody’s not doing his job!”
People like Lucy are sure that their personal happiness is based on what someone else can do for them. They become preoccupied with the fact that it’s someone else’s responsible and not their own. The reverse is also true. Some personalities feel the need to make everyone around them happy, often becoming enablers of bad behavior. Relationships suffer, jobs are lost, and we become less dependent on our heavenly Father, the source of true happiness.
Who are you waiting for to make you happy? Where do you think contentment is found? What do you think your purpose is for being on this earth? Being honest with yourself, answer the question; are you an enabler? This is tough stuff to face, but face it we must to grow into the purpose for which we were born.
Is it possible to change life patterns and habits? With the help of the Holy Spirit living in us it is. The scripture offers many helps for taking the steps toward change.
Christ is the refiner of our character. The very difficulties of life can be used by God if we submit to His purifying process. (Malachi 3:3)
Seek daily forgiveness. Those who mourn over their sins receive comfort and the power to change. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, the very word meaning one who strengthens and who helps us in the battle. (Matthew 5:4)
Christ is our liberator. Scripture encourages us to abide in God’s Word and to allow the Word to abide in us. Abiding is to dwell with God and he will reveal the realities of our nature and help us recognize truth in our situation. (John 8:31-32)
Once we accept the truth we can move away from the distorted ideas that have too long held us captive. We become the free person Christ has called us to be. (John 8:36)
Abundant living is the reward. Entering into living day by day with Christ is where we realize that our happiness comes from him alone. Nothing else, or no one else can provide you with that kind of joy. (John 10:10)
We have elected to be daughters of the King. Our security is found in his everlasting love for us, which will never fail. Once our dependence on others decreases, Christ’s power increases and we gain the confidence to give up our old ways.
Each of us is an original and holds a special role in God’s plan. That role can be filled by no one else but you. Face change with the assurance that He will give you guidance and wisdom for the journey ahead.
Peggy Still: Peggy currently serves as the Director of Administrative and Client Services for The Fuller Foundation in Pasadena, California. Her credentials include Certified Financial Planner, Certified Lay-Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors, ordained minister with the Assemblies of God International and earned an MA in Global Leadership in Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Intercultural Studies.
Peggy is a featured speaker in a variety of areas for women including finance, social issues and leadership. Married to Mark for 33 years they have one daughter and raised two foster children. Peggy and Mark make their home in southern California.
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