Acting Purposefully

In the Netflix docuseries Down to Earth,Zac Efron and Darin Olien visit locations all around the world. In Puerto Rico, Zac witnesses the lasting devastation and remaining cleanup still needed today. So, after visiting a local family, he decides to help them clear debris from their home. Zac narrates, “One of the best ways to get out of your own head is to help others” (season 1, episode 6, “Puerto Rico,” aired July 10, 2020, on Netflix, 10:45–11:15). There are times when obeying and serving God is work. It doesn’t come easily or with much enthusiasm. We get stuck in our heads wondering why we or God aren’t meeting our expectations. But Zac is right; sometimes we just need to do something for someone else to gain a little perspective (off-camera, all the better). There are endless simple ways to help people: babysit, clean the house, volunteer at the library or church, coach a junior sports team, or tutor elementary kids. When we act purposefully, the feelings will often follow.