James A. Smith, professor of music and long-time employee of BYU-Hawaii, called listeners in Thursday's devotional to greater efforts of selfless generosity, sacrifice and service.
Smith taught that "generosity is an essential component of true spirituality," closely related to or synonymous with service, love and sacrifice.
Smith quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who said, "Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. ... The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life, and we do not worship unless we give—give of our substance, ... our time, ... strength, ... talent, ... faith, ... [and] testimonies."
In light of President Hinckley's words, Smith warned listeners of the mistaken belief that they have little or nothing to give. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he said, "Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself."
Smith added that "generosity is an attitude," an attitude he characterized by a rendition of the parable of the Good Samaritan as told by Isileili Kongaika, vice president of student life.
The robber, he explained, had the attitude of "what's yours is mine and I will take it from you." The priest felt that "what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours." The inn keeper supposed that "what's mine can be yours--for a price." Finally, the Samaritan believed that "what's mine is yours if you need it. I give it freely. It is not a loan."
"We all want to be the Samaritan, but do we sometimes play the other, less generous, roles in this drama?" Smith asked.
Smith encouraged listeners to follow through on generous thoughts that are, according to Sister Camilla Kimball, wife of President Spencer W. Kimball, promptings of the Holy Ghost.
These do not have to be the big things, Smith said. Quoting Mother Theresa, he said, "We must not drift away from the humble works. ... It is never too small. We are so small we look at things in a small way. But God, being Almighty sees everything great."
Speaking to students, Smith suggested several ways they could give of themselves: tutor a friend or classmate, write a letter to a missionary, write a congratulatory note or e-mail to someone who has a notable achievement, be a good listener to a friend who needs to talk about a problem, and include someone not usually in your circle of friends.
At the same time, Smith reminded listeners that they must always be ready and willing to give of their all, even "until it hurts."
Quoting C.S. Lewis, he said, "I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. ... If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, ... they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them."
Smith added that "the inconvenience, the sacrifice is part of the gift, and is what makes it sacred and consecrates it. Never forget that service is a child of love and grows from the pure love of Christ manifest in his atonement for all mankind and our desire, in fact, our commitment, to be like Him."
While service and generosity is never selfish, Smith cited several blessings promised to those who learn selfless sacrifice, such "retaining a remission of your sins" (Mosiah 4:26) and "the power of the gospel [being] released in our lives (Richard G. Scott).
Throughout his address, Smith shared numerous examples of generosity--including many experiences from his own life--to illustrate these principles he taught.