What are you living for?

A number of people have made the statement, "I'd rather die for something than live for nothing." Martin Luther King Jr. voiced the declaration. It certainly gives one food for thought.

I asked myself, "What AM I living for? Am I being selfish and living only for what I want? If so, I am truly living for nothing." To die for something doesn't necessarily mean physical death. It could mean giving up sleep and putting in long hours at a job so your family can have what they need.

There are numerous things you can give your life for. It can be your faith -- something so simple as to be ridiculed because you believe in your God. You could be responsible for a difficult child, one you feel like giving up on, but you know someone has to be available for him or her, so you give up your time and energy because you love them. You see the potential that's hidden in the background of the persona you see daily. You know there is truly a diamond among all the temper, mean words and disobedience. You are dying for a cause greater than yourself.

A young man to whom I am very close was injured in an attack from enemy forces during the war with Iraq. He left at home a wife and three children. He loved, and is still a part of, the United States Army. His hearing was badly impaired when his Bradley was struck by an enemy rocket. Just recently, I received word that his eardrum had ruptured. It was very painful, and he is now waiting for further evaluation. Other parts of his body also carry the ramifications of the war. Yet he still continues to make himself available to whatever or whoever needs his assistance. He is a great example of dying for something rather than living for nothing.

To the contrary, there are those who have the idea that if issues don't revolve around them or their family, they are not his problem and he doesn't intend to become involved. He is friendly and helpful to a point if he receives credit for his good deeds, and he's the picture of the outwardly perfect citizen. Actually, his life is for his gain. He is living, but for what? For whom or what is he living, besides himself?

You have to love yourself and attempt to be happy, but the greatest happiness is found in helping others, in giving your life in whatever fashion is needed, to assist another human being, animal, the environment or cause.

Scripture highlights numerous examples in which people have given their lives for God. They chose to physically die, rather than live for what they perceived as nothing. Jesus made the highest sacrifice of all. People who put their lives on the line to rescue those in danger and fight for the good they believe in are genuinely dying for what they believe in. They've found something worth laying their lives down for, if necessary.

The world is filled with that which is glamorous and spectacular rather than what has value in the human and divine sense. To share your gifts with the world is wonderful because God has given you talents. However, if you use those talents just to attract attention to you, at least part of the value is wasted.

Look inside yourself! What is your passion; what makes your heart thrill with anticipation? Is it worth giving your all to create, participate in, perform or love? Will it or does it make your life worthwhile? Does your passion give your life meaning, or is it merely a ripple on the water that rises then fades away?

Make sure what you're giving your efforts and life to has meaning. Then you can say, "I died for something" rather than "I lived for nothing."