(2920)
Service, Lowly—See [Example].
SERVICE, METHOD OF
When Jael served her yellow-hued dainty to Sisera in that fine dish, she set an example that is worthy of being followed in more ways than in that hospitable one. Milton in his noble thoughts set in his lofty style has served his “butter in a lordly dish.” A kindness or a benefaction dealt in a courteous spirit and in fine chivalry is equally “butter in a lordly dish.” Above all, a life lived in the exercise of a character that is sterling and pure gold—serving viands of soul in divinest thoughts and sublimest virtues and inspirations that gods might envy, is “butter in a lordly dish.” The substance of a deed is heightened in merit by its service when the mettle of the dish matches the quality of the meat.
(2921)
SERVICE, RELIGIOUS
If a child finds itself in want of anything, it runs in and asks its father for it—does it call that doing its father a service? If it begs for a toy or a piece of cake—does it call that serving its father? That, with God, is prayer, and He likes to hear it. He likes you to ask Him for cake when you want it; but He doesn’t call that “serving Him.” Begging is not serving; God likes mere beggars as little as you do; He likes honest servants, not beggars. So when a child loves its father very much, and is very happy, it may sing little songs about him; but it doesn’t call that serving its father; neither is singing songs about God, serving God. It is enjoying ourselves, if it’s anything; most probably it is nothing; but if it’s anything, it is serving ourselves, not God.—John Ruskin.
(2922)
Service Unnoticed-See [Results of Good Deeds].
SERVICE, UNSEEN