Why Do People Serve?
It is encouraging to see how many individuals and organizations give their time, energy, money and skills to help solve problems and meet human and the environmental needs. With the global networking and communication tools available in the last decade, and the escalating threats to global well-being, a vast and growing number of people have been mobilized to support beneficial ideas and good works.
The growth of organizations dedicated to helping others and to tell inspiring stories of people doing good, is an indication of an important aspect of human and social evolution. The evolution of human consciousness taps the essential spiritual and biological energies that have been the mainstay of human survival and progress. Although many may argue that humans have always been “programmed” for survival, survival is not guaranteed unless people are responsive to that “programming.” Indeed, history and current events might give evidence of an opposite, and pessimistic view of inherent human characteristics.
The fact of increasing and dominant acts of human benevolence on a world scale is gathering momentum. Beyond religious, social or political motivations (or in spite of them) we witness behavior that in past eras might be labeled “visionary” or “heroic.” New definitions of those terms would be “responsive” and “responsible.” People are more able and willing to respond to visions of human goodness in practical ways, and they are viewing service to others as a part of their very being or “life purpose.” It’s a natural way of feeling, it is not even seen by many as a “choice.” Whereas in past eras people who served were seen as special, or altruistic, today many who serve do not see an alternative way of relating to other people or to the natural world. They are simply responding to the inner compulsion to do good with no external coercion from either moral codes or fear of punishment.
Increasingly, people want to do more and more, and the frustration that mounts in their being is that they do not have the time or resources to accomplish all that needs to be done, nor all that they might be able to do. An antidote to that frustrating feeling is the awareness that one is not alone; that there are many who share the “vision” and are doing whatever they are able to do on their own scale in their own sphere of influence.
Collectively, the human consciousness is evolving from the “taking” mentality to the “giving” mentality. On the continuum of human consciousness, the primitive materialistic-fear aspect of human nature is evolving and changing into the spiritual-confident consciousness.
People are becoming motivated less by pessimism than by optimism. The people driven by fear and hate are vocal and violent because those destructive energies seek expression through them, and are mobilized by the emotional chaos and destructive instincts that block their human consciousness. Conversely, the majority of people who have confidence in themselves and fellow human beings serve quietly and often very simply, just by being kind and positive. However, goodness is becoming less and less passive, it is becoming an active, organized and intelligent strategy for problem solving, and for a creative and dynamic motivation for one’s life and work.
Along with the evolving “serving” consciousness on an individual scale, is the recognition and networking with like-minded individuals. This is the power of new groups of servers*. One’s power is multiplied and complimented in collaboration with others who have different personalities, talents and skills. One realizes that in spite of the limits on one’s personal abilities and resources, in the context of the group much can be accomplished to fulfill one’s personal ideals.
Thus, as we experience the increase in groups that are dedicated to solving urgent problems and improving life, we can take heart about our own role and contribution: First we can realize that we are one piece of a great unit that is moving in a positive direction for humanity, and second, we can renew our dedication and focus in order to accomplish our part of the greater work in a better and more joyful way. Those who serve already have a consciousness based on confidence in nature and in the human spirit. Through seeing the vast web of service that surrounds us we may become even more confident and dedicated, and further our path towards the compelling inner purpose that forms our life expression.
*Find out more about the New Group of World Servers:
© 2010 Richard
V. Sidy
