Volunteer

<<unpaid helper>>

A volunteer freely chooses to be involved beyond the call of duty and not for pay, giving of themselves without any direct recognition or compensation except the feel-good emotion of satisfaction from knowing they have contributed in some way. Often, instead of waiting to be asked to assist, when they see a need they respond by taking the initiative and offer their services as a creative expression of who they are – believing in something bigger than themselves which also supports their values and goals. Commitment is called for when the enthusiasm and outworking of their values becomes a chore! Volunteers need to be realistic and balanced in their involvement to avoid burnout, while also fulfilling their prior responsibilities.

served but voluntarily came to earth to serve, ministering to others and ultimately giving His life for us (Mk 10:45). A volunteer whose heart is committed will make a much greater contribution than several conscripts who are doing a job unwillingly and without motivation. Volunteers choose to help while conscripts are told to help, thus many times the best person for the job is the person who wants to do it – even if there is no financial gain – as they have the inner drive.

Volunteering is a good way to learn, develop friendships, interpersonal skills, work habits and raise your self-esteem. There is a cost involved (time, effort and often resources) in being ‘other centred’ through generous assistance and helpfulness but it will help to free us of selfishness. All voluntary service should be done diligently “as unto the Lord for His glory” (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17,23). We should also check our motivation to be involved. Is it to impress the boss, wanting to be noticed, or a genuine desire to help without any sort-after recognition?

As Christians we should do more than is expected, required, or we are paid for.  Not only does this please God but develops character qualities, creates goodwill, increases experience and knowledge. Besides, as others see your commitment, this can lead to recommendations and possible advancement. We don’t know what doors will open or ministry opportunities may result.  Rebecca volunteered when she saw the need, little knowing the menial yet huge task of giving water to the camels was the key that took her from being a lowly maiden to the wife of the patriarch Isaac (Gen 24:14-21).

In the Christian Church much of the work is done by lay workers – those who believe in the cause of Christ yet like Paul, who was a tent maker, derive their income from other employment so they will not be a financial drain (2 Cor 11:9; 1 Thes 2:9; 2 Thes 3:8). Paul wrote about the generosity of the Macedonian Christians who gave themselves “first to God then to man’s service by their own choice” (2 Cor 8:1-5). They were not pressured but responded in love. Volunteering literally breaks us free of the world’s money dominated systems by serving out of goodness and gratitude, not for personal monetary gain.  Do I regularly and diligently volunteer in church and community life?

All volunteers must be recognised and appreciated, not being taken for granted, imposed on, or given demoralising tasks, while also respecting they have other obligations and their availability may be for a limited period of time as circumstances dictate a change of emphasis.  This ‘free resource’ should be wisely utilized so those giving of themselves continue to see the value of their labour of love and not exploited or abused.

Many worthwhile charity and community services wouldn’t be able to operate without the free, benevolent services of supporters who give sacrificially, to something bigger than they are.

Isaiah saw a real need and said, “Here I am send me” (Isa 6:8). Our self-esteem rises as we contribute and take some measure of ownership outside the confines of our obligations, besides comprehending it is more blessed to give than receive, instead of being motivated by a ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality (Act 20:35).

While assisting another we are not to do what is their responsibility or what they are capable of doing themselves. Providing a handup is beneficial, creating a dependency situation is not.

A tragic mistake of the Crusades (religiously sanctioned military campaigns having the goal to restore Christian control of the Holy Land, fought between 1096 and 1291) was the compelling of people by force to 'convert' to Christianity. However, following Jesus is a matter of choice; He issues the invitation "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt 4:19). He has provided the gift of salvation and we are free to accept or decline the offer (Mt 16:24; Jn 3:16,36; Rev 22:17).

See also: abuse, being and doing, burnout, choice, commitment, crusades, force, golden rule, good works, help/helper, others, self-esteem, selfishness, servant/serving, unselfish, useful.