How Are You Serving?
The righteous will flourish like a palm
tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old
age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is
my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. -- Psalm 92:12-15
I was at an Education Committee meeting at church. The
subject turned toward volunteers. Doesn’t it always? Grand ideas will never
flourish without volunteers to turn them in to reality.
One of the many issues of getting enough volunteers
are those who believe they’ve retired from service. It’s as though parents
believe they can only volunteer for activities in their child’s age group. Others
believe that when their kids are grown, they have retired from church service.
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a person say, “Let
someone younger do it. My kids are grown. I’m retired.” The Bible doesn’t say
anything about retiring. It does speak of teaching the younger generation, of
mentoring those younger than we are.
Certainly, our seasons change. One sweet lady
volunteered to help prepare supplies and activities for the craft projects
during Vacation Bible School. Her patience for young children was gone but her
servant’s heart remained. She was able to serve behind the scenes and provide
tremendous help to all of us.
Another woman recently declined a request to
occasionally lead a Sunday school class. That is her right. I’m not here to do
a guilt trip on her or anyone else. It was her excuse that made me pause. She
said she’d already led an adult class and someone younger needed to do it. She’s
barely passed 50. Seriously?!
Volunteer activities come in all shapes and sizes,
just like the people who serve and are served. There something for everyone.
Faith isn’t so much about taking as it is about giving back. When did we come
to believe it was all about us, about what was convenient and only what we felt
like doing when it suited us.
I’m so thankful that Jesus didn’t see it that way. I’ve
no doubt that the very human side of Him grew weary as He preached and
ministered, healed and served. Jesus never complained as He reached out to
those who needed Him. He sought strength and guidance through prayer. And, yes,
sometimes He rested.
We aren’t called to do every single thing someone
asked us to do. That would be ridiculous. Each of us has special gifts and
talents. We each have a unique way that we can serve. One man washes the silverware
at church after every Wednesday night dinner. He willingly does it with no
complaints. He has found a way to serve.
Another sweet lady, a woman who is no longer
physically able to attend church, has become a prayer warrior. She routinely
calls people who are sick or in crisis and prays for them and with them. She
sends out the most beautiful cards. She has found a special ministry in the
midst of her declining years.
How are you serving in your church? If you aren’t
doing anything, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror. Everyone can give back
in some way. Step up and serve.
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