All acts of service are not equally sanctifying or uniform in the benefits they confer.  When service is undertaken by power-hungry people, or under compulsion, or with a desire to imitate, it can result in more harm than good.  Self-aggrandisement, competition or ostentation are motives that will pollute the sacred sadhana of service.  In doing service, one should avoid all egoism, exhibitionism and favouritism.   Before embarking on a service project, one should examine whether one’s heart is full of selfless love, humility and compassion.  Think, too, whether the head is full of intelligent understanding and knowledge of the problem and its solution, if one’s hands are eager to offer the healing touch, whether one can gladly spare the time, energy and skill to help others in dire need.

- Divine Discourse, November 21, 1986.

Service will become meaningful when it manifests love that issues from sacrifice. - Baba