In my experience, people who are involved in their church are more gracious about its imperfections than those who are not involved. Spectators tend to be armchair referees; participants, on the other hand, tend to work things through until goals are met or things improve.
What’s the difference between a spectator and a participant? Commitment.
I still remember the conference speaker who described the experience of ministering in the inner city of an American metropolis. It was a hardship for his family. In fact, it was downright dangerous for his wife and kids. As a result, he often felt like moving away. But he stayed. Why? He felt called by God. His commitment made him care and stay there.
I remember another person going through a rough patch in his marriage. There were times when he felt like giving up and leaving. But he stayed. Why? His commitment to his partner motivated him to stick around and work on improving his marriage.
Participating instead of just observing is like owning a home instead of renting. You just naturally care more about what’s happening because you’re invested in a whole different way.
For the Christian, volunteering is a lot like sowing. In Jesus’ name and for Jesus’ sake, we sow seeds of faith, seeds of hope and seeds of love. As we faithfully and consistently sow these seeds, we grow. Others grow. And everyone benefits while God is praised.
It’s good to remember, however, that commitment does come at a cost. Volunteering can be fun and very rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Jesus described the Christian life as “denying yourself and taking up your cross.” That’s an uncomfortable, painful metaphor. But it was the Lord’s way of preparing his followers for the difficulties and challenges involved in joining God’s redemptive mission.
My running and cycling adventures continually remind me that life’s rewards are directly proportional to the commitment and the cost invested in the effort. The training leading up to a race or tour is often hard, especially when you have to run hills on a cold winter day or get that long ride in on a hot weekend. But when the workout is done, it’s so satisfying. And when you toe the start line in the best shape of your life, it’s so exhilarating.
Did you know that the word “volunteer” comes from the Latin word “volente”, meaning “willing.” A volunteer, in other words, is someone who willingly commits to do the task at hand.
Where does this willingness come from?
Sometimes, our willingness to volunteer originates in the need to be admired, or the urge to control a situation, or the fear of disappointing someone. If that’s your motivation, you will probably not enjoy the experience or have what it takes to go the distance.
But when your willingness is rooted in your love for Jesus and a commitment to his redemptive mission, you will not only enjoy the experience and go the distance; you will also know the joy of blessing others and serving the Lord!
The apostle Paul spoke about this joy in his letter to the Christians in Philippians. He wrote, “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:4). Paul thought of these believers with joy because they were so thankful for Jesus and so eager to join him in sharing the good news of God’s love.
So get involved. Willingly. Faithfully. And experience church life from the gracious perspective of someone who is invested in the well-being of the body of Christ.
- Pastor Peter
What’s the difference between a spectator and a participant? Commitment.
I still remember the conference speaker who described the experience of ministering in the inner city of an American metropolis. It was a hardship for his family. In fact, it was downright dangerous for his wife and kids. As a result, he often felt like moving away. But he stayed. Why? He felt called by God. His commitment made him care and stay there.
I remember another person going through a rough patch in his marriage. There were times when he felt like giving up and leaving. But he stayed. Why? His commitment to his partner motivated him to stick around and work on improving his marriage.
Participating instead of just observing is like owning a home instead of renting. You just naturally care more about what’s happening because you’re invested in a whole different way.
For the Christian, volunteering is a lot like sowing. In Jesus’ name and for Jesus’ sake, we sow seeds of faith, seeds of hope and seeds of love. As we faithfully and consistently sow these seeds, we grow. Others grow. And everyone benefits while God is praised.
It’s good to remember, however, that commitment does come at a cost. Volunteering can be fun and very rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Jesus described the Christian life as “denying yourself and taking up your cross.” That’s an uncomfortable, painful metaphor. But it was the Lord’s way of preparing his followers for the difficulties and challenges involved in joining God’s redemptive mission.
My running and cycling adventures continually remind me that life’s rewards are directly proportional to the commitment and the cost invested in the effort. The training leading up to a race or tour is often hard, especially when you have to run hills on a cold winter day or get that long ride in on a hot weekend. But when the workout is done, it’s so satisfying. And when you toe the start line in the best shape of your life, it’s so exhilarating.
Did you know that the word “volunteer” comes from the Latin word “volente”, meaning “willing.” A volunteer, in other words, is someone who willingly commits to do the task at hand.
Where does this willingness come from?
Sometimes, our willingness to volunteer originates in the need to be admired, or the urge to control a situation, or the fear of disappointing someone. If that’s your motivation, you will probably not enjoy the experience or have what it takes to go the distance.
But when your willingness is rooted in your love for Jesus and a commitment to his redemptive mission, you will not only enjoy the experience and go the distance; you will also know the joy of blessing others and serving the Lord!
The apostle Paul spoke about this joy in his letter to the Christians in Philippians. He wrote, “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:4). Paul thought of these believers with joy because they were so thankful for Jesus and so eager to join him in sharing the good news of God’s love.
So get involved. Willingly. Faithfully. And experience church life from the gracious perspective of someone who is invested in the well-being of the body of Christ.
- Pastor Peter
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