My son and I went downtown to a shelter last month with a bin of winter coats, gloves and hats to pass out. We expected to find a regular group of men and a couple women lingering outside the shelter, where we regularly hand out bars of soap, coats and gloves. This Saturday, there was only one man out in the cold - a regular from the shelter named Richy. I asked him "Where is everybody today?"
He told us that "Most everyone went to John Street Baptist for their soup kitchen today." I knew where it was and we headed over to the church building. I went in and walked down the stairs into the fellowship hall. I was trying to find someone to coordinate with to pass out the coats that were donated by my company Planet Aid. I saw a lady in the kitchen doorway with an apron on and headed her way.
"Excuse me" I said, "Are you a volunteer here?"
She looked me right in the eye. I knew she had something to say. She told me plainly, sweetly but firmly "I'm not a volunteer here. I'm a MEMBER here!!"
OK. I got the point! And it was a good one for us disciples. When we volunteer to help with anything, we should see ourselves as a lot more than just volunteers! That goes for things we do both for the church and outside the church.
We are ambassdors of Christ - members of his body, servants of the King of Kings. Working for a non-profit, I am well aware of the debacles that can arise when we depend on volunteers. Usually, we end up working 10 times harder making up for the sloppiness and unreliability of some of the people.
With church activities, it's never been that bad. But, I know it can be bad - and I've been bad too at times - over-commiting and not letting my "Yes" be "Yes". And it's OK to say "No" too!
Here are some scriptures on being "more than a volunteer"...
I Peter 4:10 - What ability or gift has God given you to serve with?
Our service is a revelation of God's grace - whatever we do.
Luke 17:7-10 - Do not seek attention - It's OK to not get a "Thank you"
The serving does not stop after a long day in the field.
Clean your self up to serve better - Get in shape to have more energy!
Have you done everything Jesus asks of you - at home, at work, in the community, in the church family?
Phillipians 2:1-11 - Empty Yourself! Take risks! Die to yourself! Be like Jesus and seize humility.
Here's an illustration that really ties a lot of this together... Let's not hold back. We are not volunteers! We are disciples of Christ!
Jerry Maday - Worcester, MA
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