Pitying One’s Self

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 20, 1913

Pitying One’s Self

In the world around us we see many objects worthy of interest and sympathy. The cry of sorrow comes up from every quarter. Grieved and burdened hearts, pain-racked bodies, grief and sorrow and anguish we find on every side. Multitudes to-day need the touch of a helping hand, and the manifestation of a kindly interest. Thousands are sad and sick and dying. Many a poor heart is crying out in anguish, “No one cares for my soul.”

The recognition of this great field for missionary effort will lead to self-forgetfulness. There will be no time for self-pitying. How can we be self-centered when men and women around us everywhere are dying spiritually and physically for want of help? Sad indeed is it to see professed Christians, instead of trying to alleviate these untoward conditions among their fellows, nursing personal grievances.

Before us hangs a motto which reads, “He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals.” Many to-day are in love with themselves. They think only of their own interests. With one of old, they say, “Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow.” The most miserable creature in all the world is the man who goes through life pitying himself.

Let us fight against this spirit. Let us seek a broader outlook than our own little field of experience. Let us lift up our eyes and behold the fields how they are white for the harvest, and recognize the call of God sounding in our ears to go forth to do valiant service for our fellows. Forgetting our own troubles and seeking to help other people out of theirs is the surest road to happiness in this life and to eternal happiness in the life beyond.