August 9, 2018

Why Do You Serve?

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

– Ephesians 2:10

Are you active in your church? Do you belong to a civic group? Do you volunteer at your kids’ school? Why?

Before you flippantly answer, think about it for a moment. Be honest. It’s just between you and God anyway.

Most of us like pats on the back. Most of us like to be in charge or, at least, to be recognized for our contributions as workers. Most of us like things to be done our way. Most of us want to brag and feel proud of the good we do.

But here’s a hard truth: If your service is for anyone’s glory but God’s, you need to step aside and rethink your motives.

Whether you’re volunteering at church or anywhere else, you represent Jesus. You are His ambassador. It’s not about you. I know. That’s a common theme but it’s a common theme because it reveals such an uncommon heart.

We’re to have hearts filled with Him to such a degree that people see Jesus when we show up. There’s no room for pettiness and egos and pride. When those things rear their ugly heads, step back and drop to your knees. Satan is on the warpath and you need the strength of the Holy Spirit to withstand the onslaught.

I know. You probably think you know better than anyone else how something needs to be done. Maybe you’ve done it the same way for years and you can’t imagine anyone else wanting to change something that works so well. Maybe you’ve surrounded yourself with like-thinking people. Maybe you’ve closed your mind and your heart to even considering another person’s viewpoint.

A few months ago a pair of sweet older women announced that they were tired and would no longer decorate tables for a specific event. Okay. In less than a day, we’d organized a large replacement team who showed up to help and learn from the retiring volunteers. They were shocked at the response.

Do you know why no one had helped them before? Because they rebuffed every effort made by anyone. They were so focused on doing it like they’d always done it, on controlling it, on being able to brag about their service, that they missed a prime opportunity to receive help and to train others. They missed a chance to try different things and to get to know people of another generation who were eager to serve but just needed an opportunity to step up.

You see these wonderful ladies had lost sight of why they began their service long ago. When they began, it was to honor God and do good for His people. Later, it became about them instead of about Him.

So, let me ask you again: Why do you serve? If it’s about anything or anyone besides Him, step back. Step away. Get your heart right and in alignment with Him. Then step back up. God needs people to serve. He just wants them to do all that they do for His glory and not their own.

May 2, 2018

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.

April 29, 2016

Age Doesn’t Determine Service

When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. -- Joshua 13:1

I recently went for my first bone density screening. It’s a right of passage I suppose. They assure me it’s more of a preventative measure, just making sure my bones are okay before I get old.

Except that they told me I am 1 ½ inches shorter than I used to be. What?! I am undeniably aging. There is proof. I can no longer deny it. But that doesn’t mean I’m done.

Joshua was between 85 and 100 years old (see Life Application Study Bible) when God told him there was still work to be done. I’m nowhere near that age and I know there’s still work to be done.

I’ve never really understood why some people think that if they reach a certain age, they no longer have to contribute to their church or community. I’m not talking about money. That’s a good thing, of course, but I’m not sure it’s even the most important thing.

Sometimes we need the experience of older people, coupled with the exuberance of the younger folks, to really make things work. Kids need older role models. There are many kids these days who live far from grandparents and extended family. Why not be there for them?

Stories abound of people who work hard and then finally reach retirement. Six months later they are dead. Why? They had no reason to get up in the morning. They had lost their purpose.

I once met a couple, both retired, who volunteered 40 hours per week. There wasn’t just one organization that benefited from their labor. They found a few groups they supported and divided their time. They were happy and busy and filled with purpose.

And, yes, they were forever trying to recruit others to their way of life. They had a point. Just think how much good could be done if retirees volunteered at least some of their time and expertise each week.

The Bible doesn’t say anything about retiring. I’m not sure why we think we should stop serving Him as we get older. I have no idea what the future holds or if I even have a future. God determines my time here on earth. But I sure hope that I will always find a way to contribute, to give back, for as long as I am here.