VNP or VEP?

Joy in serving?

Groundhog Day, a 1993 comedy, is a parable. Seen it? Bill Murray plays the role of Phil Connors, a TV reporter who finds himself in a time loop, reliving Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA, over and over again. At first Phil responds with frustration to being trapped. Then, he decides to live selfishly, eating all he wants, stealing, and taking advantage of women. He selfishness leads him into suicidal despair! Finally, he realizes that since he knows exactly what is going to happen in this town on the day he lives again and again, he can step in and serve, helping to change lives. He becomes a hero by serving others, accidentally finding joy in a situation that he would not had chosen for himself.

Fantasy? Of course, but sometimes life feels like an endless loop, doesn't it? We awaken to meet the same responsibilities, to go through the same chores, in the same ritual - day after day. Many of us respond to life in much the same way as Phil Connors! We grumble and complain about our place, our position, and our possessions. We look for diversions that are expressions of selfishness, believing we will find happiness in a new toy, an escape to some vacation spot. Do we? Yes, there is a temporary emotional lift, but does it last? Apparently not! Depression is America's most common mental health issue. On average, we're richer, more traveled, and more well fed than any previous generation but it doesn't seem to me that we are happier.

Here's God's wisdom. Joy is found in finding our God-given purpose and fulfilling that calling faithfully, day by day. Purpose, not indulgence, is the path to satisfaction, because satisfaction comes from sensing God's approval. That's the Jesus model! When some of the men who lived with him, learning from him, asked for privileged positions in the kingdom of God which they thought he was about to establish, he reminded them of the true nature of his calling -- "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”" (Matthew 20:28, NLT) His purpose was to give away his life, on the cross. And why did he do it? Hebrews says, "for the joy that was set before Him... he endured the cross!"

People live on a scale that has as its ends - VNP's (Very Needy People) who drain energy and life from others and VEP's (Very Encouraging People) who pour energy into others. Depending on the circumstances in which we find ourselves from time to time, we slide toward one end of the scale or the other. At times, when we're knocked off our feet by tragedy or storms, we really do need to be carried by others ! However, I find that the cluster tends to be larger toward the VNP end of the scale all of the time. Why? Because our sinful nature leads to self-centeredness.

"Feed me! Take care of me! Help me! Notice me!"- is the infantile cry of many who continue to live as VNP's though they should have long ago become helpers, mature, and capable of drawing on the resources of the Holy Spirit for themselves. We need to grow up in Christ. After receiving, by faith, the new life of the Spirit, we need to learn the principles of the Word. As mature Christians who have accepted the Spirit's work that heals our hurts and makes us wise, we begin to be VEP's that pour life into others, that bring light to dark places. Believe it or not, that kind of service is the way of joy!

During this Season of Advent, make it your prayer that God will help you to live on the VEP end of the scale! Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of the opportunities to make a difference that exist around you. Prayerfully, overthrow self. When you're tempted to tear down, to criticize, to whine, or to demand that somebody comfort you and meet your need, choose to be mature. Serve, not dutifully, but joyfully! Keep a journal and then let me know how you're feeling about life right after January 1. I know it works - it's the Jesus model for a life of joy!