Sermon On Altruism

Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist once remarked: "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Altruism is widely considered the direct opposite of selfishness. It is defined as acting to benefit others at a cost or risk to oneself, driven by a magnanimous concern for their well-being rather than personal gain or reward. Altruism aids life by fostering stronger communities through cooperation and reciprocity, while also providing significant personal advantages like increased happiness, reduced stress, better mental and physical health (even longer life!), and a greater sense of purpose, making individuals feel more connected and content. It's a "win-win" that boosts the giver's well-being through endorphin release and positive perspectives, encouraging a cycle of kindness that benefits everyone.

It's seen in actions like donating to charity, volunteering, or even holding a door for a stranger, stemming from empathy and promoting social connection and respect, with research suggesting it's deeply rooted in human nature for species survival. The philosophical or moral concept related to altruism: “Living for others,” emphasizes that true meaning and value in life come from selfless contributions and service to humanity, rather than self-centered pursuits, highlighting altruism as the core of a fulfilling existence.

Jesus is widely seen as the ultimate example of altruism. Most lives well-lived usually affects another through guidance, influence, care or concern. It inevitably affects the entity of another, often in profound and lasting ways. This impact can range from the small, daily interactions to a large-scale, generational influence, regardless of whether that influence is intended to be grand or is simply a part of daily existence.

Ephesians 4:1-16 reflects Christians living out their faith practically by maintaining unity in the Church, reflecting their divine calling through humility, gentleness, and patience, and using diverse spiritual gifts to build each other up to spiritual maturity in Christ, speaking truth in love and not being swayed by false teachings. It moves from theological foundation (one Body, one Spirit) to practical application (how to live together), urging believers to be stable, mature followers growing into Christ's fullness. The passage reminds us: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

A worthwhile life is a deeply personal concept, generally involving a blend of purpose, connection, growth, and meaning, found not just in big achievements but in everyday experiences, aligning actions with core values, serving others, cultivating love, and embracing the full spectrum of life's joys and struggles. It's about self-realization, making a positive impact, and finding gratitude in both grand adventures and small moments, rather than solely chasing external success like wealth or status. Dame Helen Mirren, an English actor once remarked; “I don't believe that if you do good, good things will happen. Everything is completely accidental and random. Sometimes bad things happen to very good people and sometimes good things happen to bad people. But at least if you try to do good things, then you're spending your time doing something worthwhile.”