During the recent Coronation of King Charles III he stated:
“I have come not to be served but to serve.” It was an unexpected statement for a monarch to make. What does it mean to serve, to be of service? It means doing our best to make a difference through the service we give to others. Even when our participation is minimal, we can contribute something special in what we do and be a significant source of inspiration for others. (Merriam-Webster.)
Bahá’u’lláh, describes service in the following passages: “That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.” In another passage He states: “Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such service be a path leading you to Me.”
Jesus also said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Service is a concept for high and low alike. We can all do our part to make this world a better place. It is common to the religious and the non-religious. It is a call to action that has yet to flood the consciousness of millions because of the commitment involved.
Service is more than the use of a simple word, it is a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping others to a better life, to higher standards. It means doing our best to make a difference through the service we give to others. As we serve others, we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well. Service brings us joy and meaning to our lives. In addition to the positive change to those we serve, studies have shown that there are mental and physical health benefits to serving, like reducing depression, lowering blood pressure and lengthening your lifespan. Putting other people's needs before our own strengthens our relationships. Having a positive impact on someone else's life reminds us of the value we bring and gives our lives purpose. Serving others can open the doors to solving our own problems. It’s a win-win proposition!
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” (Desmond Tutu)
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
“This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
Service is the Golden Rule in action, so simple, so impactful for humanity and the world itself.