By Not Known
An elder was chatting with a regular worshipper. “Brother, what’s your area of service?” He replied, “Err… I’m “just” an usher.” “Thank God for you. That’s wonderful!” The elder responded. “Oh, I’m just volunteering,” that brother replied, “I’m not called like you, elder.”
Are you serving in ORPC? Or are you just volunteering?
As a volunteer, I participate out of my own willing and compassionate heart. An external situation or a dire need may compel me to respond, but ‘I’ am the one who ultimately determines the level of my contribution: I will participate if I think it is a worthy cause. I will give money if I have the money. I will put in effort if I have the energy. I will spare a little more time if I am able. However, I don’t want to be bound by too many rules or expectations. Otherwise, I will not volunteer anymore.
A servant of God is quite different from a volunteer in church. The Apostle Paul was a good example of godly servanthood. Colossians 1:24 – 2:5 tells us that he was willing to suffer for the spiritual welfare of God’s people to establish their hope in Christ (1:24-27). He was willing to labour strenuously in teaching God’s word so that God’s church might be sanctified in Christ (1:28-29). He did all that even for those he hadn’t met personally so that they might be encouraged in Christ’s love and protected in their faith from false teachings (2:1-5).
A servant serves out of God’s calling and commission; a volunteer picks and chooses according to his own cause. A servant does not walk away from suffering, stresses and strains because he is serving for the sake of God’s people. A volunteer sacrifices his precious time and treasure, but with an exit clause to be activated at his convenience. A servant rejoices at the salvation and growth of others in Christ. A volunteer rejoices at his own sense of satisfaction and achievement for others. A servant is motivated by and for God’s glory. A volunteer is muzzled by human factors and motivated by human praises.
Are you a preacher-pastor or “just” an AV controller? Are you a choir member or a “just” flower arranger? Are you an elder/deacon or “just” a worshipper? Are you a Scripture reader or “just” an usher? Whether you are visibly upfront serving or “just” in the background, every act of service is significant to God. Let’s thank God for one another. Whatever God has called and gifted you to do, don’t just volunteer… serve Him passionately!
Benson Goh