“Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
There are different ways to give, and the Scripture says we should give cheerfully. Usually, we think of giving money or things. This week I want to talk about giving time and/or energy without pay or reward, because that is what it means to volunteer.
We are so grateful for the volunteers that give time and energy to Rafiki with no thought of reward. Rafiki volunteers work at the Rafiki Exchange, at the Home Office, or in the Mount Dora store. They help with printing or keeping the grounds. They stuff envelopes and work in the kitchen. These volunteers are cheerful givers. Their “pay” is joy in knowing that they are doing something for someone else.
In my old age I have lived in three different senior living facilities in Florida. In the first two God gave me the privilege of accompanying other "oldies” by bus to volunteer at the Rafiki Home Office. What I noticed is that these volunteers were the happiest residents in our facilities. They were doing something for someone else instead of complaining about the food and their aches and pains.
A few weeks ago, I moved into the third senior living facility because I now need more care and I am seeking to get this new (to me) facility to take a bus load of volunteers to Rafiki on a regular basis—walkers and wheelchairs included!
Of course, I am interested in old folks volunteering, but there are ways for every age to work without pay. Little children should be taught to do things for others just for the joy of doing them. Young people should enjoy volunteering in groups because it is fun! Adults should model volunteering for their children. And I have learned there is no age limit to volunteering! And there is no limit to the ways to volunteer—at home (without an allowance!), at church, at school, in your community, in your favorite charity, for your country. Just remember:
“Whatever you do, work heartedly, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24.
If you ask people why they volunteer, they will give you lots of reasons—like they want to stay busy, they want to make friends, they want to get “credit”, etc. but volunteering for Christ’s sake is all that really matters.
How are you volunteering just for Christ’s sake?
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