– Life is not just what we get. The greatest meaning is what we give and this is not just a hokey statement but a deep truth. Our chief pursuits should be what we can do for others. Jesus said, As you have done it unto others, you have done it unto Me. It takes God’s help to grow in real, meaningful service. So, This BEAM is about the power of God that can only be found through, the Service of Giving and the Giving of Service.

S – Sincerity

E – Empathy

R – Resolve

V – Vocal

I – Involved

C – Courageous

E -Enthusiastic

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    S is for sincerity, because service is no kin to people pleasing. Service is being genuinely committed to the welfare of another. You can serve another person, even when they do not like it. When we become sincerely interested in the welfare of someone else; our motive changes. We are no longer thinking about “what’s in it for us” but what’s in it for them. Jesus served His disciples. I will be writing a BEAM soon, about the unheard of practice initiated by Jesus of washing feet. Jesus earnestly cared for His disciples. He told them the truth, even when it was hard for them to hear. Jesus did not just talk of His love but He demonstrated it. This is proof number 1  of sincere love. Are we talking about serving others or are we committed to serving them?

     E is for empathy. [Please Note!] Empathy is not sympathy. When you empathize with another it is not just saying “poor them”. More than that it is trying to put your self into their shoes. Empathy does not compare itself to another human being. It identifies itself with another human being. It is not just thinking about what THAT person should do but envisioning what you would do, in the situation of the other person. Empathy does not look up or down on others. Empathy sees others as brothers and sisters made of the same clay as we. Empathy is easier for the other person to receive because they can feel that you are coming to them as an equal and neither looking at them as a superior or inferior. To serve others, you must see the common worth of human beings as special creations of God.

     R is for resolve. It is easy to say you care for someone; when you let yourself off the hook at the slightest resistance from them. If they do not go along immediately, our most frequent response is Fooey on them (and yes, I am using a nicer word than most of us do). Or we excuse ourselves by saying “They did not want help anyway.” Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying to invest your energies in people who refuse to be helped. But how do you know really???  If I come to believe that God wants me to make a difference in the live of someone. I have to be resolved to do it, until God calls me off. My discomfort or inconvenience can not be the primary factor if I am to really make a difference. If I believe that God wants me to touch someone these days; I try to stay the course until I see them blessed like God intends. That means that I have to get used to people not living up to my expectations. And be resolved to serve them anyway, even when it is unpleasant or inconvenient.

     V is for vocal. When you serve someone; you verbally support the effort with constructive words. Tell them you love them. Let them hear encouragement from you. Service is not JUST Talking. But it is real hard for someone to be blessed by you, when you bless them out more than you bless them up, with constructive, loving support.

     I is for involved. Do not give your neighbor ditch digging instructions; Grab a shovel. Do not tell your neighbor how to move furniture; rent a truck and show up with gloves. Do not tell your friend how to beat his opponent; ask him to tag your hand and crawl in the ring to fight with him. Service is not a sideline sport. Get involved.

     C is for courageous. I weary of platitudes about courage. Have you ever had your tail whipped fighting for someone else?  Get in the fight with and for someone else. Its as simple as that. Don’t wait to be drafted. Volunteer to get in the ring with others. Its great to be a cheerleader. But there are real times to get off the sidelines and get in the contest if you care about others. Who in your life deserves more of you today?

     E is for enthusiastic. When you volunteer to help someone else. Do it with all your might. The Bible says that whatever your hand finds to do you should do with all your strength. God’s instructions are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul & strength” and most often, this involves doing something for someone else. Jesus said “As you have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto Me.” Understand that serving others is part of your service for God. Do it joyfully. “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Get in the fight for other people’s lives. Make a difference. And do it with enthusiasm.

Grow Undying Thoughts of Service. Make your life make a difference in the lives of others.