The Main Character in Your Life Story

I will be personal with you for a moment. I find it very tempting to give heavy attention to my own sorrows and struggles before I even start to think of what others are going through. When I am having a hard time, I want others to be worried about me. When I am having a great day with amazing experiences, I expect others to rejoice with me. It is far easier for me to turn inward than to look outward. I suspect that I am not alone in this, but for now, I will speak for myself. If I am the main character in my story, this attitude is fitting as the story should focus on and revolve around the problems, needs, thoughts, and actions of the protagonist.

Is this wrong? Shouldn't I be the main character of our own life? This view of the world is portrayed through pinterest, instagram, and other social media outlets It is all about me, my story, my selfies, and my posts. It is taught to us by our individualistic society. It is easy to develop the view that the world revolves around me and my agenda. The problem with this plot is that if everyone is the main character to their own story, there are no supporting roles, successful relationships, or meaning behind the things that we do.

I find it interesting to think of the advice of the Savior when he said, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 10:39) How many times have you seen images, pinterest quotes, or heard that you need to find yourself. While these quotes do hold some truth, many of us are confused about how we might "find ourselves." The Lord gives us a clear direction when he states that only by losing our lives for his sake, will we find ourselves.

Christ is meant to be the main character in our lives. "He is the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). If we follow Him, if we seek Him, and if we obey Him, we will find new life. We will be filled with peace and happiness. I have felt of these things for myself and know that it is true.

I want to encourage you to pay attention to the conversations that you have throughout the next day.

• Are you listening or are you too consumed by how you will respond?
• Are you genuinely interested in what the person has to say, or are you just waiting for them to stop talking so that you can get on talking about what is important to you.

A Christlike soul will focus on the interests, needs, and wants of others before they consider themselves. They will be less concerned with their own agenda and more concerned with the agenda of the other person. Perhaps you have a friend like this. Every time you speak with them you are likely uplifted and feeling valued. 

When we make Christ the main character of our lives, he is able to use us to serve those around us. We put Him first, and He will put us to work taking care of those that He puts first (each of us).

If you are feeling down, depressed, or insecure, a large part of the solution may come when you start to think about Christ, and the needs of other people. Think of others has a magical way of cheering us up. 

So think of Christ, serve Him, love Him, and follow Him. Make Him the main character in your life and he will guide you by the hand.