The Joy of Volunteering
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 NIV
I am an active volunteer between church and community groups. When asked why I put so much work into my volunteer activities, I sincerely say I get much more out of the work than I put in. Winston Churchill said: “We make a living by what we get, but we made a life by what we give.” Volunteering allows you to give of yourself. It lets you make a difference to someone else. It gives you purpose and usefulness. When you volunteer, you feel good about yourself and forget your own troubles. It offers you the chance to meet new people, go new places and learn new things. While volunteering is not one of the ten commandments, the Bible directs us to make volunteering a part of our faith life.
Service is a critical part of being a Christian and it is a fulfilling part of our faith. Service to others reflects Christ’s nature and it is the example he modeled for us. This allows us to know God more intimately and it reveals who we are in ways that nothing else can. It gives us a chance to represent and glorify God. Each of us was created to selflessly serve others with the talents, time, and other resources God has entrusted to us. When Christ called the apostles, he was asking them to volunteer with him. He is also asking that of each of us.
God reveals the nature of his call in several Biblical references.
- In 1 Peter 4:10 we are told: “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administrating God’s grace in its various forms.” What gifts have I been given? Am I using my abilities to serve others or to serve myself?
- Colossians 3:23 tells us to regard our work as an act of worship to God. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
- The gospel of Mark says: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Do I prioritize being a humble servant, or am I looking for glory for myself.
- Galatians 6:10 encourages us to continue in doing good works even when we get discouraged and may not see positive results. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest of we do not give up.”
- In Matthew 25:34-40 Jesus warns against ignoring the needs of others. Verse 45 says: “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Are we looking for ways God has prepared for us to be of service? How exciting that we are working directly as agents for God. Let your service to others open new doors in your life and help you grow in your faith.
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, that you have given us gifts to use in your service and have prepared opportunities for us. Amen
Pat Deck
No comments:
Post a Comment