What Are You Doing?
For to this you have been called,
because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might
follow in his steps. – 1 Peter 2:21
How often do you volunteer at your church? How often
do you volunteer in your community? How often do you sacrifice your time and
money to be Jesus in the world around you?
Most churches and outreach groups are hungry for
volunteers. Everyone has good intentions. We mean well. We’re just so busy. Too
busy. Surely, everyone else understands.
No. Actually. We don’t. “I just want to show up and
not have to do anything,” came one excuse. Well, so would I. Except we wouldn’t
have the ladies’ Bible study if I did that because none of the hundreds of
women at our church will volunteer to lead a study.
“My work schedule is just so crazy,” came another
excuse. Most work schedules are crazy. So what? Offer to pick up someone who
can’t drive and take them to church for worship or other functions. Help coach
the softball team. Take a turn in the nursery. Help make coffee or provide a
covered dish to a grieving family.
“I’ve got young children,” is a common excuse. What a precious
blessing God has given to you! Have you considered including your children in
outreach ministry. My Mother was so excited when one woman brought her three
young boys to the rehab facility. The boys wore Santa hats and passed out candy
to all the residents. Everyone – children and residents – had a wonderful time
and were blessed by the experience. Such a simple gesture on a quiet Sunday
afternoon.
I could go on and on with examples. The truth is that
most of us just don’t want to be bothered. We don’t. We’d rather stay in our
staid little worlds and let someone else be the hands and feet of Jesus.
For most of us, God didn’t call us to organize a
massive march on Washington. He didn’t tell us to start a world-wide relief
effort. Nor did God say we were to sell everything and go live in a hut in
South America. God called us to serve right where we are.
I wonder how many elderly people would give anything for
a visit form a young family or, better still, to be included in a meal or
outing? I wonder how many single people would love to be part of a family
gathering?
Maybe you have a gift for flowers and plants. Did you
know that some folks aren’t healthy enough to do that and, yet, they don’t
really have money to hire it done? Your talents and their needs could benefit
you both.
Maybe you know a teen who spends most of his time
alone while his parents work. He or she sure could use a mentor. Surely you
have some time to offer. Or what about that young Mom who is so overwhelmed? An
encouraging word, and maybe a casserole, would brighten her day.
We aren’t called to live focused only on ourselves. We’re
to reach out wherever God places us and touch those closest to us with
kindness, compassion, and help. Even if that means we must sacrifice of
ourselves.
