In the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord. Says Nanak, swing your arms in joy!
ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਾਹ ਲੁਡਾਈਐ ॥੪॥੩੩॥
SGGS Ang 26
The same idea in other traditions
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; …
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Giving and righteous conduct, kindness to relatives, blameless deeds: this is the highest blessing.
By doing service he acquires the Karman which brings about for him the nâman and gôtra of a Tîrthakara.
Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.
The Master said, "A minister, in serving his prince, reverently discharges his duties, and makes his emolument a secondary consideration."
Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling.
Give now of thy gold and bounty, for eventually will it pass from thy grasp. Open the door of thy treasure to-day, for to-morrow the key will not be in thy hands. If thou would not be distressed on the Day of Judgment, forget not them that are distressed. Drive not the poor man empty from thy door, lest thou should wander before the doors of strangers. …