> > You cannot live your life just for him.
>
> Of course you can. I try my best to do just that.

Another aspect of this piece of the discussion, at least with regard to the Christian lifestyle that Ria and I both live, is that it's a two-way street. I try to live for God; part of my spiritual belief is that in doing so, God will live for me, so to speak. Biblically, the relationship is compared to marriage -- a distinctly asymmetrical marriage, but very much bi-directional.

Aside from my relationship with God, I try my best to live for Leen. Sometimes this involves doing things I would do anyway, and sometimes this involves making sacrifices. Is it "shallow" for me to live for her? Or is it ok because she reciprocates? Frankly, if I lived for her, and she lived only for herself, I'd call her the shallow one and expect to be *respected* for my selflessness if not necessarily my wisdom. (Side note: Leen does not do this.)

Likewise, the only way I can see a selfless life in service to God as being "shallow" would be if the decision to live this way were based upon shallow reasons. I serve God partly because I believe it is universally "right" to do so in that I was created for that purpose, but also because I believe he has already given me more love and grace than anyone else ever will or could, both in word and in action, most notably in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for me. Now, maybe some would say I am mistaken about these facts, but if they are as true as I believe them to be, how can my response -- an attempt to use my life to reciprocate that love as best I can -- possibly be considered "shallow"?