We normally associate the concept of service and sacrifice with military men and women. Military service is based on a life dedicated to the defence of the nation. It requires a professional commitment that entails personal sacrifices like being exposed to danger, separation from family, loss of personal autonomy, and a myriad of psychological implications. The bravery, purpose, and selflessness military men and women display exemplify the ideals of service and sacrifice.
Is service and sacrifice exclusive to military men and women? Not at all. We see service and sacrifice being displayed by ordinary people in everyday circumstances. There’s the mother attending a sick child at night, a teacher who gives up her free time to help struggling students, or the fire fighter who enters a burning building to save lives and property. There are great many people who dedicate and commit their lives to their own family, their professions, or organizations and are living life of service and sacrifice.
Service is defined as the “action of helping or doing work for someone.” Inherent in doing service then is going beyond ourselves. It commands us to give up something for someone. Service always involve sacrifice. We sacrifice our time. We sacrifice our comfort. We sacrifice our possessions. Service cannot exist outside of sacrifice. Service without sacrifice falls short, as service without sacrifice is self-serving. Our talent, time, and treasure are not for us alone. They are meant to be given back to the community, to the world at large, and especially to the those who needs them.
The call to service and sacrifice happens daily in our ordinary lives. Everything we do can be an act of service. No matter what we are doing, focus on how is it making a difference in somebody’s life or how is it making another person’s life better.
According to Martin Luther Jr., “Sacrifice and service are required for each of us to become the people we are meant to be.” In service and sacrifice, we discover how far we can extend our lives to encompass other people’s needs. Only then can we truly know who we are.
Sources:
Edmonds, Chris. “Service and Sacrifice: When Thanks Are Backed by Actions.” Accessed April 20, 2024. https://www.careersingovernment.com/tools/gov-talk/career-advice/on-the-job/service-and-sacrifice-when-thanks-are-backed-by-action/.
Henley, Dede. “The Difference between Service and Sacrifice.” Accessed April 20, 20244. https://community.thriveglobal.com/the-difference-between-sacrifice-and-service/. Vance, Trayton. “Service and Sacrifice—What Does That Mean Today?” Last modified June 6, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/service-sacrifice-what-does-mean-today-trayton-vance.
