Called to Serve
Scripture Reading — Luke 17:7-10
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.
Some time ago a volunteer at a nonprofit organization gave us a tour through the building where he works five days a week. At one point someone in our group asked him what motivated him to volunteer. He answered, “I was diagnosed with cancer, and now that I am in remission I want to use whatever time I have left doing something worthwhile.”
He is one of thousands of volunteers in many organizations who use their time, talents, and resources to join in building God’s kingdom here on earth. They don’t ask for recognition or remuneration. They do it out of gratitude. If asked, they might well answer by saying, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” To them, to volunteer, go on a mission trip, or get involved in their community is the natural thing to do.
Of course, not everyone is able to volunteer. Many of us have fulltime jobs and busy families. Some of us are confined to our homes, unable to get involved. But we can pray for and encourage people who volunteer, and we can support them financially if we are able. And for those of us who have never considered volunteering, perhaps now is a good time to reconsider and do what the Lord invites us to do.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all who volunteer and who aren’t concerned about getting credit for it. Help each one of us to look for opportunities to take part in building your kingdom. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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