The Tin Man's Chest Was Empty

Like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, a great many of us at times wonder whether having a heart (not the blood-pump, but the center of our thoughts and emotions) is a good thing.

Indeed, our culture, the entertainment, media, government, social media, families and technology seem to be touting a world-view based on selfishness and self-centeredness.

The popular message focused on making a virtue out of "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like." ~ Galatians 5:19-21 Yet alone in the quiet hours of night, those who are intellectually honest would admit that this is the life focus that leads to emptiness, worthlessness.

The fulfilling life is one that is centered upon others, outside of ourselves.

~ Caring about the needs of others ahead of your own develops a nature of love.

~ Serving Jesus develops a spirit filled with joy.

~ Trusting the Scripture develops a spirit filled with peace.

~ Being committed to a worthy cause develops a spirit of endurance.

~ Opening your heart to the unfortunate, those who cannot repay our kindnesses develops a spirit of compassion.

~ Being a good steward of the resources God has committed to you grows a spirit of generosity.

~ Representing yourself to others honestly and candidly develops a spirit of integrity.

~ Shifting the conversation and focus onto the other person develops a spirit of humility.

~ Tackling your weaknesses one at a time develops a spirit of self-discipline.

The person who lives a life dedicated to these spiritual traits is one who is a delight to be around, and one who will leave lasting good in his wake. The rewards in this life and the next are beyond compare.By contrast, all the "rewards" of the selfish things we do will be left behind when we shuck off this skin suit, left to others who will not prize them in the way you did.