Are you an innie, an outtie, or both?
I recently volunteered at a one-day outreach event. Community members gathered and assembled hygiene kits and notes of encouragement/Bible verses to be distributed at a local food bank. (Shout out to Barbara for the invite!)
Would you say Christians or non-Christians volunteer more often? I like to think it's Christians, since we're actually called to serve, but I'm not sure if the numbers reflect that. (Galatians 5:13, Colossians 3:23-24)
Volunteering and serving the Lord can be one and the same, but not always. For example, serving dinner at the gospel mission is both. Volunteering as an usher at the performing arts theater, not so much. (But still fun!)
When I think of volunteering in impactful ways, I think of helping with the practical needs of a person (Mt 10:42) or advancing the kingdom (the Great Commission.)
As a Christian, do you volunteer in impactful ways? And when it comes to serving, do you serve inside or outside the church? If you're an innie, you might be an usher, teach children's church, sing on the worship team, or host a ladies' day event. If you're an outtie, you might go on a mission trip, distribute Bibles, or staff a local homeless shelter.
I think more Christians are innies than outties because it's more convenient, cheaper, physically and emotionally safer, and there's a lot less chance of rejection. But get this: Serving God was never meant to be safe.
If we only serve when it's safe and convenient, what does that show about our faith?
Jesus didn't take the safe and easy route. Neither did his disciples. Not to mention Paul, and so many martyrs through the ages.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17-26.)
Yes, definitely volunteer within the church. Even more importantly, serve God by living the Great Commission. After all, it's a command (John 14:15.)
(Credit to Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus was Never Meant to be Safe, written by Craig Groeschel, and credit to The Voice of the Martyrs magazine. See our recommendations for a links.)
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